Whakapapa, Not Passports: First Indigenous Touch World Cup to Debut in Manurewa, 2027

The world’s first Indigenous Touch World Cup is officially set for November 2027 — a four-day tournament that will bring together Indigenous teams from around the globe to compete, connect, and celebrate culture at Mountfort Park in Manurewa, Auckland.

Announced by the WAI (We Are Indigenous) Foundation, a charitable trust based in Aotearoa, this groundbreaking event flips the script on traditional sport, making whakapapa — not nationality — the criteria for competition.

“This is more than just another touch tournament,” says WAI Chairperson Patariki Spellman. “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure this event is a true reflection of who we are as Indigenous peoples.”

Unlike mainstream international formats, where only one team per country is allowed, the Indigenous Touch World Cup invites participation from Nations, Villages, Mobs or Groups — opening the door for underrepresented communities to take the field on their own terms.

“The existing international body only allows one nation per country. That may work for some, but it doesn't work for us. This tournament is our response to that — it’s our chance to ‘sing another song,’ one that sounds like liberation.”

The kaupapa is already drawing attention worldwide. Expressions of interest have come in from across the Pacific, the Americas, and beyond. But with international travel still a barrier for many Indigenous communities, organisers are committed to making the event as accessible as possible.

“Cost is a major hurdle for many of our Pacific and Indigenous nations,” Spellman says. “We're doing everything we can to break that down and make this a true gathering of the global Indigenous touch community.”

Hosting the event in Manurewa is no accident. With deep roots in the sport, the South Auckland suburb has long been considered a stronghold for touch in Aotearoa.

“Manurewa is the spiritual home of touch in Auckland,” says Matt Winiata, Manurewa Local Board Chairperson. “Mountfort Park will be in pristine condition come 2027, and we look forward to welcoming thousands from around the world to this special place.”

He adds: “The Local Board and Auckland Council are proud to support this kaupapa and help create a professional, high-standard event that reflects the mana of all who will stand on that field.”

The tournament is also backed by Māori Touch NZ, which ran two similar events in 2008 and 2010, laying the groundwork for this new global format.

“Māori Touch NZ is proud to support WAI Foundation and this special tournament in 2027,” says Chairperson Finney Davis. “We know how hard a task it was back then and are in total support of the planned event. We look forward to fielding teams in all grades and playing alongside our fellow native brothers and sisters.”

Touch New Zealand has also thrown its full support behind the kaupapa, seeing it as an opportunity to broaden participation in the sport.

“Touch New Zealand is proud to support this indigenous kaupapa which provides a wider opportunity for many of our people to participate in the sport they love through an indigenous lens and representing the many indigenous peoples of the world,” says CEO Joe Sprangers.