The historic merger of Auckland Football Federation and Northern Football Federation into Northern Region Football has been approved at a joint Board meeting on Monday night. 

The two Federations have operated as an unincorporated joint venture with joint governance as NRF since 2019. Work to finalise the merger operationally is well underway, and NRF aims to begin operating as one organisation from 1 January 2022. 

“We’ve been very aware of the history and hard work built up in Auckland Football Federation and Northern Football Federation by so many people and clubs. We had a deep responsibility to set out the right vision and make the case for merging with our clubs, communities and the wider football whānau,” said NRF Co-Chair Aimee Barwick. 

“Working as one since 2019 helped prove the upside of this change. Our team has delivered two seasons of football and futsal through the COIVID 19 pandemic, as worked hard to deliver a step change in engagement with clubs, showing what we can do together,” said NRF CO-Chair Andrea Nelson. 

The merger was approved by a unanimous vote at a New Zealand Football Extraordinary Congress this month, showing widespread support and confidence in our direction throughout the game. 

“Thanks go to the NRF team for their hard work during the merger period, to New Zealand Football for their guidance and support, and our voting membership for their support and encouragement throughout this process. We’re honoured the wider football whānau backs the vision we’ve laid out - we’re determined to show what we can do as one.” 

“I deeply believe we’re already benefiting from two great organisations working together, and we can do even more when we truly become NRF. The future is bright for our game in Northland and Auckland,” said Laura Menzies, NRF Chief Executive. 
 

Article added: Wednesday 01 December 2021