The momentous occasion was overseen by OFC President David Chung with representatives from Ngati Whatua, the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, Korea Football Association, Orakei Local Board and FIFA alongside him.
“Today marks a milestone in the history of OFC as this ground breaking ceremony signifies the start of the construction of a home for football for Orakei, for Auckland, for New Zealand and for the entire Pacific region,” he said.
Ecstatic to be moving forward with the project, Chung acknowledged the parties who made today’s ceremony possible and in particular the local iwi and Orakei Local Board.
“Firstly to the Tangata Whenua and Iwi of this land who have given their blessing to enable us to build a home for our Pacific people here on your land.
To Desley Simpson Chairman of the Orakei Local Board and Board member Kit Parkinson and fellow Board members for tremendous support which has been instrumental in OFC securing this land from the Auckland City Council for us,” he said.
The decision to support OFC in moving forward was an easy one for Simpson who says the social and community benefits will be exponential both at a local level, and for the country.
“What will happen shortly is great for Auckland, is great for New Zealand and great for our youth,” she said.
“The investment you are going to make for our youth and children in Auckland will ensure that this facility will be able to hold events that will encourage our children to play football.”
At government level the message was the same, with Minister for Youth Affairs Nikki Kay saying football can be a valuable tool in combating the wide ranging social issues that affect communities both in New Zealand, and around the Pacific.
“I meet so many young New Zealanders who are passionate, not just about rugby or sailing, but actually passionate about football. So we feel very privileged as a country that we are going to be able to have this facility and I think it will bring people together,” Kaye said.
The role of the world governing body could not be overlooked today either, with FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke making the trek from Zurich, Switzerland to show his support for OFC and this project.
“Today it’s an important day we are making decisions to see a realisation. It’s the first step of a 20-month period when finally in May 2015 we’ll all be back in New Zealand to open this new home of Oceania,” he said.
“I think it’s very important as it’s not only the home of the 11 Member Associations, but also a place with two football pitches and a place for young people to practice our game, our sport.
“I think Oceania is one of the best examples of how FIFA lead and work in football. We are always behind you, we will always be behind you because whenever in the past we have supported projects you, OFC members, always deliver.”
OFC signed an agreement to lease the Ngahue Reserve site with Auckland Council on Friday. The ground breaking ceremony marks the starting point of a project estimated for completion in May 2015 with plans including artificial pitches, administration buildings, changing rooms and car parks.