Eight football clubs across the Western Bay of Plenty have united around a shared kaupapa: Creating a bold, aspirational pathway for kōhine and wāhine (girls and women) to thrive in football, right here at home.

Te Ara Wāhine: Te Moana-a-Toi is a new collective entity designed to support girls and women to progress to the highest levels of domestic football in Aotearoa without leaving the Bay of Plenty. It represents a region choosing collaboration over competition off the pitch, so players can shine on it.

A Collective model for sustainable female football

Te Ara Wāhine is built on a simple belief: female football grows strongest when clubs work together.

The Te Ara Wāhine model provides:

• A centralised talent pathway into NZ Football’s Talent Development Programme (TDP) youth teams and NRFL senior women’s teams.
• Hub-based development programmes offering additional training opportunities for enthusiastic girls aged 8–13.
• Shared coaching expertise, resources, and funding mechanisms to lift capability across the region

By uniting as a region, clubs can:

• Build a sustainable talent pathway that no single club could resource alone.
• Retain talented players within the Western Bay of Plenty.
• Unlock funding through grants, commercial partnerships, and regional sponsorship.
• Increase the visibility, depth, and competitiveness of female football across the Bay.

Governance

A club-led governance committee representing all member clubs will be established in early 2026 to provide stability, oversight, and centralised operations.

To support a smooth transition, WaiBOP Football will chair the committee through 2026–27, providing structure, coordination, and operational support. From 2028, governance and ownership will transition fully to the club-led committee, with WaiBOP Football remaining at the table to ensure continuity.

The Pathway

Te Ara Wāhine builds on the significant groundwork laid by FC Tauranga Moana in developing talent pathways for girls and women.

The clubs from across the Western Bay of Plenty who have been working together to discuss the female pathway in the Bay of Plenty are Katikati FC, Omokoroa FC, Otūmoetai FC, Papamoa FC, Tauranga Blue Rovers, Tauranga City AFC, Te Puke United FC, and Waipuna FC.

Aligned with the NZ Football Talent Pathway, Te Ara Wāhine offers clear, connected routes from grassroots football to top domestic competition.

The pathway has two core streams:

• Stream 1: Youth Talent Programme and Senior Women’s Football
• Stream 2: Regional Junior Development Hubs

Stream 1 focuses on talent-level coaching, high-performance environments, and competition in the NRFL, with exposure to national programme selection. Teams currently compete in NRFL Women’s Premiership, Reserves, Girls 16th Grade, and Girls 14th Grade competitions.

As 2026 is a transition year, teams will compete under the name FCTM – Te Ara Wāhine, while the new entity is formally established. FC Tauranga Moana and Te Ara Wāhine will work closely throughout 2026 to streamline player and team registration processes.

Stream 2 centres on connection and development at a formative age. This includes additional, hub-based training opportunities for girls aged 8–13, bringing players together from multiple clubs to build skills, confidence, and belonging.

The objectives of the Regional Hubs are to:

• Support holistic player development for girls aged 8–13.
• Help individuals reach their potential through age- and stage-appropriate opportunities.
• Foster connection by bringing girls together across clubs and teams.
• Grow coaching capability and confidence within local clubs.

What’s Next

WaiBOP Football and the collective clubs are continuing to refine the detail and are energised by the opportunity ahead. The formal establishment of Te Ara Wāhine will take place throughout 2026.
Recognising that establishing governance takes time, WaiBOP Football are leading the transition period to ensure players can benefit immediately from a connected regional pathway.

Te Ara Wāhine is designed as an evolving project, and further initiatives within the female pathway are in development. Expect to see more information shared in the coming weeks. Clubs interested in being part of this collective journey are invited to get in touch.

Purpose and Vision

Purpose: To transform the experience of women and girls in football.

Vision: A pathway grounded in equity and belonging, recognising the structural barriers women and girls face and providing the tailored support each person needs to thrive.

If you have any questions, please contact Alida on alida.s@waibop.co.nz

Article added: Friday 30 January 2026