Changes proposed to revamp football competition

Will Johnston

A shake-up could be on the cards for Central Football’s competitions, which could see Taranaki premiership teams merge into a centralised format.

Central Football is currently working through a consultation process to introduce a structural change to the competition that sits under New Zealand Football (NZF) national and central leagues.

In an email to Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Whanganui and Taranaki clubs, Central Football proposed several format options with the hope of “improved competition pathways for clubs across both federations.” A proposed men’s central league two competition could be formed as a result. 

“The purpose of a men’s central league two would be further to imbed NZF’s national league systems into the federation competitions,” the email said.

“For clarity, this piece of work is a proposal only and if there were to be any changes they would not come into effect until 2025, at the earliest.”

With three premiership competitions operating across the Central Football region this season, Taranaki, Pacific (Hawke’s Bay) and Horizons (Manawatu and Whanganui combined), the teams could form new western and eastern competitions.

Taranaki’s six premiership teams will join those from Whanganui and half of Manawatu’s clubs, with the rest to form the eastern league with Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

Taranaki’s premiership went from nine teams to six this year to make the competition more meaningful. It was won by Peringa for the first time since 2009.

Teams in the existing federation league, where Taranaki doesn’t have representation, will form central league two and is proposed to combine with the capital premiership. A similar competition was run in 1968.

The thorough proposal document outlines many positives if the format is introduced. It includes a breakdown of financial savings for clubs and would provide a higher level of football in competitive competitions compared to the capital premier and central federation leagues. Promotion-relegation will also be added between the grades.

Other improvements included the improved quality of play, the potential for more games, enable linear pathways from federation competitions to national leagues and align administration resourcing.

“We are aware that any significant change needs to go through a robust process whereby there is an opportunity to feedback and discuss at length all the variables,” Central Football said.

Peringa president Scott Alderdice said the club made a submission but didn’t have details to share.

A New Plymouth Rangers spokesperson said the club doesn’t have any thoughts yet but will “wait to see” what comes out of the consultation process.

A FC Western spokesperson said “things need to change” but is working through the consultation process.

A recommendation will be made to Capital and Central Football boards at the end of this month.