The Indigenous Touch World Cup will enter an exciting new phase, with the event now set to be delivered through a joint venture between the National Māori Touch Trust (MTNZ) and the Pacific Cup Community Sports Trust (Pacific Cup).

Scheduled for 2027 at Mountfort Park in Manurewa, the event’s confirmed venue, date window, and key existing partnerships - including the valued support of the Manurewa Local Board - remain firmly in place.

The tournament will be managed by an independent event group, appointed by representatives of both organisations, ensuring a dedicated and world-class delivery model while allowing each partner to contribute its strengths to the kaupapa.

Event spokesperson Patariki Spellman says the new structure marks a significant and positive shift in the planning journey.

“This is pretty exciting stuff - to be in a position where we can leverage the networks and relationships Māori Touch NZ and Pacific Cup Touch have, as well as forge new ones, is a welcome pivot to the planning process. I’m personally grateful that we’ve arrived at this point with so much time still on the clock.”

The event will be officially branded Pacific Cup Presents: The Indigenous Touch World Cup, with presenting rights still available as part of a comprehensive suite of sponsorship and commercial opportunities.

Spellman says the global response to the tournament has reinforced the importance of the partnership.

“The massive amount of interest from literally all around the world has been a little overwhelming. In part, this is why the partnership was so welcome. We’re able to lean on the world-class experience available to us, as well as existing frameworks responsible for delivering the best events in the sport in Aotearoa.

We currently have 29 nations, Indigenous groups and cultural rōpū at EOI status, with preliminary registrations opening in March. This will be the biggest gathering of Indigenous and First Nations people our sport has seen in some time.”

Chairperson Finney Davis says the National Māori Touch Trust is proud to support a model that protects and elevates the kaupapa.

“We are proud to have formed this partnership in order to preserve this taonga. As active participants, Māori Touch NZ will leave the organising to the organisers - but we will remain avid supporters of the kaupapa and are humbled to play our part.”

Pacific Cup Presents: The Indigenous Touch World Cup — Mountfort Park, Manurewa — coming in 2027.