With the NRL’s Warriors set to make their return to Mt Smart Stadium in July, international rugby league will be seen first with a double-header at the Auckland venue on Saturday 25th June.
The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will take the field for the first time in almost two years against Pacific rivals Tonga in two matches, dubbed 'Te Hokinga Mai-The Return'.
The matches will also coincide with the country's first public holiday celebration of Matariki - the Māori New Year, on the Friday 24th June.
More than a decade has passed since the Kiwi Ferns and Hakula Tonga last faced up - during the 2008 Rugby League World Cup where the Ferns won by 40 points.
Welcoming the Ferns and Kiwis again playing in front of home crowds, NZRL Chief Executive, Greg Peters commented “to celebrate Matariki weekend with an international Test double header that unites our fans and communities in celebration is special.
“We have been working with the NRL for some time now to produce an international weekend on both sides of the Tasman during the origin window. June 25 will also see Samoa play Cook Islands and PNG face Fiji in Campbelltown before Ampol State of Origin the following day.
“We encourage everyone to make their way to Mt Smart come June 25 to break the crowd attendance record for a women’s Test and celebrate the return of international rugby league to New Zealand shores after some challenging years.”
Auckland Unlimited Head of Major Events, Chris Simpson added “Aucklanders are avid rugby league supporters, and to have New Zealand and Tonga play at Mt Smart will be exhilarating.
“We encourage league fans from across New Zealand to make Mt Smart and Tāmaki Makaurau their destinations of choice this Matariki long weekend.”
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring for a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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