The Government has announced $5.3 million in financial support through Lottery Grants funding for regionally-led programmes to celebrate and empower women and girls during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The funding has been allocated to Sport New Zealand, alongside Host and Team Base Camp Cities. These include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Tauranga.
“This funding focuses on increasing wāhine leadership and celebrating women and girls in our communities,” said Internal Affairs Minister, Barbara Edmonds.
“I want to acknowledge the Lottery Grants Board for their support in making this happen.
“I know this funding will have a positive impact in the lives of our wāhine and girls and I encourage everyone to find out more about FIFA Women’s World Cup events and projects near them,” she said.
New Zealanders will be able to take part in a national project during the tournament to celebrate the event and welcome manuhiri, experience wāhine art installations and digital exhibitions on the history of women’s football in Aotearoa, attend youth symposiums and hear from female leaders in their regions.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the largest women’s sporting event in the world and will leave a lasting legacy for football and women’s sport in New Zealand, and our communities,” said Ms Edmonds.
“The Hine te Hiringa – Empower Women Utilising FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Fund was established to help celebrate women’s achievement.
“In recognition of New Zealand co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup, we’re supporting programmes and projects that empower the next generation of female leaders in Aotearoa.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 takes place from 20 July to 20 August 2023. More information about the tournament and surrounding activities can be found at eyeson.nz.
