Chasing the Silver Fern 🏈🇳🇿

Hi everyone, Noke here.

I’m proud to have been selected for the New Zealand Iron Blacks Men’s American Football squad competing this July here in New Zealand against Australia for the Festival of Football. Representing New Zealand is something I’ve always dreamed of doing—giving back to this country that has given me so much, and to the beautiful whenua I’m proud to call home.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It’s taken a lot of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice to reach this point. Alongside this journey, I’ve been balancing study, working part-time, and training consistently to put myself in the best position possible. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s all been worth it.

Now it’s time to take that next step—to represent, to compete, and to carve my name into the history of the black jersey alongside those who came before me, and for those who will come after.

This sport is still growing here within New Zealand, so players are responsible for covering their own fees, travel, equipment, and preparation costs. To help make this opportunity possible, I’m aiming to raise $3,500 to cover costs.

These funds will go toward:

• Team and tournament fees

• Equipment and gear

• Travel and preparation costs