New Zealand Football is the only major sports organisation to receive a nomination at the 2026 Diversity Awards.
It has been nominated for the cultural competence award, which recognises organisations that build cultural knowledge and skills, demonstrate cultural humility and intelligence and make an effort to learn about respect andimplement cultural understanding.
NZ Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said the aim of the award has been a major objective for the body.
“Driving the organisation, and the football system as a whole, to build cultural competency has been a key strategic objective for us, so while it is great to be recognised with a nomination like this, the real value has been the impact this work has had on the game,” Pragnell said.
“Te ao Māori is not only unique to Aotearoa but represents a knowledge base to learn from and build strength from.
“While we still have work to do, we strive to deliver a game that authentically reflects the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa and showcases it to the world.”
New Zealand Football has been nominated for the Cultural Competence Award at the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ. Photo / Photosport
NZ Football has tried to make football the most inclusive sport in the country by implementing a range of initiatives, such as an iwi-led Call to the Field" which has been introduced to welcome teams at international matches.
Te reo Māori and Te Tiriti workshops have seen 90% of staff participate with regular waiata and karakia also introduced, while targeted programmes have helped to increase participation for Māori, with numbers up 9% from 2024.
The organisation has also partnered with Māori Football Aotearoa to support programmes and events, its statutes were changed to include Te Tiriti commitments into organisational decision-making and te ao Māori are a key factor in NZ Football’s strategy and values.
The winners will be announced this evening as part of the Whiria Ngā Kaha Workplace Inclusion Aotearoa conference in Auckland.
