NZ welcomes travellers for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 draw

NZ welcomes travellers for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 draw

Aotearoa New Zealand has offered an invitation to incoming Australian fans and manuhiri (visitors) following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 (FWWC23) Draw in Auckland, New Zealand.

The wero or laying down of the taki within the pōwhiri [Māori welcoming ceremony] signals the invitation to the 10 qualifying nations now set to call Aotearoa, New Zealand home from February 2023.

New Zealand Football Ferns, Claudia Bunge (#3 /Defender) and Paige Satchell (#13/ Forward, Midfielder) accompanied ahi Kaa [traditional custodians of the land] Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to deliver the rousing welcome.

“I can’t wait for people to see more of Aotearoa New Zealand next year, I’m really proud to be a Kiwi and it was awesome to take part in the welcome. Standing next to the amazing group from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and sharing our culture with the world was a humbling and powerful experience,” Bunge said.

The maioha [greeting] was delivered by Tarumai Kerehoma-Hoani, a renowned Māori Performing Arts tutor and kaitātaki wāhine [female leader] of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The rendition sets the scene for the compelling wero delivered by another esteemed leader of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Piripi Davis and his masterful use of traditional weaponry passed on through his tūpuna [ancestors].

Graham Tipene of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, said: “The hope is that countries visiting will see the point of difference that only Māori and Aotearoa can offer.”

Host cities span the country’s North and South Islands boasting an array of rich experiences for those visitors looking to embrace and explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique culture, people and famed natural environment.

The draw comes after FIFA announced the nine cities and 10 stadiums in Australia and New Zealand that will host matches for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

The tournament will be the first-ever co-hosted FIFA Women’s World Cup and the first edition to feature 32 teams – up from 24.

The host cities and stadiums for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 are:

  • Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
  • Eden Park, Auckland
  • Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
  • Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin
  • Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
  • Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
  • Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth
  • Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
  • Wellington Stadium, Wellington

FIFA also announced that Eden Park in Auckland will host the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with Stadium Australia in Sydney selected to host the final.

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