From AUT to the FIFA Fan Festival
Working on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Fan Festival in Auckland was a goal come true for Samantha (Sam) Napowanez.
The international student from Germany was contracted by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (the region’s economic and cultural agency) as the festival’s Event Operations Coordinator.
The job came out of work integrated learning for the organisation as part of her Bachelor of Arts majoring in events management at AUT.
More than 85,000 people came through the doors at the FIFA Fan Festival at The Cloud on Queen’s Wharf, where fans could watch matches live on the big screen, enjoy entertainment and soak up the exciting atmosphere – all for free.
Working at the FIFA Fan Festival was an “awesome experience” and “fast-paced”, says Sam who was responsible for looking after volunteers, as well as supporting the security and smooth operation of activations, and helping to manage the Unity Pitch.
“I needed to be on top of everything and communication was essential. We were in constant contact via radio as our team were mostly out on the ground. I was engaging with different people all the time: volunteers, security, food and beverage staff, venue staff, media, talents, production team and patrons.”
Sam says that prior to the event, it was uncertain what the uptake and interest in the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be in New Zealand, a country known for its love of a different sport, rugby.
But public enthusiasm for the cup exceeded expectations. “Working at the FIFA Fan Festival, a major event like this, just wow.”
Sam says it was a goal of hers when she started studying at AUT to work with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and its division, Auckland Live.
Previous work supervising volunteers for the 36th America’s Cup helped get her foot in the door, she says.
“I am very happy where I am right now and can't wait to continue working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited for future events.”
Numerous AUT graduates and former students were also involved in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, behind the scenes and on the pitch - including three Ford Football Ferns: Mid-fielder Annalie Longo (events management), fullback CJ Bott (criminology) and forward Hannah Wilkinson (psychology).