Leveraging the FIFA Women’s World Cup to create a lasting legacy for Aotearoa

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), as the lead government agency for the event, has worked closely with other government organisations to develop a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 leverage and legacy programme.

The programme is supported by a $10 million fund and includes projects that will drive outcomes in 4 key focus areas: Mana Wāhine (raising the profile of women and girls in sport and wider society), Te Tangata (thriving communities), Te Ao (enhancing our international relationships), and Ōhanga (economic growth).

MBIE’s Manager Major Events, Kylie Hawker-Green says one of the main reasons Aotearoa New Zealand bids to host major international events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup is because of the significant benefits and lasting legacy they provide to our country.

“Events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup shine the spotlight on Aotearoa New Zealand and bring tens of thousands of international visitors to our shores, providing a unique opportunity to leverage the event to create ongoing benefits for our communities,” says Kylie.

“The government’s leverage and legacy programme for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will help secure these benefits for our country and our communities.

“An example of this work is the collaboration between GirlBoss NZ and the Ministry of Education announced today by the Minister for Sport and Recreation. The initiative is designed to support young wāhine to further develop their confidence.”

The GirlBoss Make Your Move programme includes a 10-day interactive online school holiday programme for around 1000 young wāhine aged 15 to 18, and 7 in-person activations across the country reaching more than 10,000 young wāhine. The online delivery method of the school holiday programme means girls in regional and rural Aotearoa New Zealand can take part.

“This is an excellent example of how we can leverage major events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup to empower future generations of Aotearoa New Zealand and leave a lasting legacy for our country and our communities.”

A number of other projects that will drive benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand in education, sport, tourism, international relations, communities, business, health culture and conservation will be announced over the coming months.

• More information about Aotearoa New Zealand’s role in co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 can be found on MBIE’s Major Events website.
  New Zealand Major Events(external link)
• More information about the tournament and activities associated with it can be found at eyeson.nz.
  EyesOnNZ website(external link)