New Zealand Derby (football)

The New Zealand Derby (Māori: Mai te Raki ki te Tonga),^[1] also known as the Kiwi Derby^[2] is a local football derby in the A-League Men, Australia's top soccer league, between the two New Zealand-based clubs in the league: Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix.

The first meeting between the two clubs took place on 2 November 2024 at Sky Stadium in Wellington, during the third matchday of the 2024–25 season. The match was played in front of 26,252 spectators and finished 2–0 to Auckland,^[3] with former Wellington player Alex Paulsen keeping a clean sheet and Jake Brimmer scoring in the 89th and 90+6 minutes.^[4][5] Following the match, Auckland hired a digital billboard outside Sky Stadium which read, "Welcome to Ellington. We took the W back to Auckland".^[6]

The second meeting was played at Go Media Stadium in front of 26,253 spectators and ended 2–1 to Auckland.^[7] In that match, Auckland conceded their first-ever competitive goal, scored by Kosta Barbarouses.^[8][9] The third encounter, also held at Go Media Stadium, recorded Auckland FC's largest attendance of 27,009 and saw the club secure their biggest win, defeating Wellington Phoenix 6–1.^[10] The match included the club’s first hat-trick, scored by Logan Rogerson, while Luke Brooke-Smith became the Phoenix’s youngest goalscorer, reducing the deficit to 3–1 just after half-time.^[11][12]

The fourth meeting took place in Round 4 of the 2025–26 A-League Men, in front of 12,091,^[13] with Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano personally handing out tickets around Wellington on the morning of the game. Sam Cosgrove opened the scoring after 27 seconds and later added a second goal following an equaliser from Ifeanyi Eze. Auckland were reduced to nine men following red cards to Dan Hall and Logan Rogerson in the second half but held on to preserve their lead.^[14][15]

The second meeting of the 2025–26 season was held at Go Media Stadium before a crowd of 21,997,^[16] with Auckland winning 3–1 after Manjrekar James was sent off in the 46th minute. During the match, Auckland were awarded their first ever penalties in the clubs history, both of which were saved by Josh Oluwayemi from Sam Cosgrove and Francis de Vries.^[17][18]

The sixth meeting between the sides drew the lowest attendance of the derby so far, with 10,040 spectators.^[19] The Phoenix were defeated 5–0, marking the Phoenix’s heaviest home defeat of the season and Auckland FC’s largest away win to date. The scoring opened with an own goal from Josh Oluwayemi, followed by a brace from Jesse Randall and further goals from Guillermo May and Lachlan Brook.^[20] Following the match, Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano resigned, having failed to record a win against Auckland FC, with an aggregate score of 20–4 across the six meetings.^[21][22]

As of 21 February 2026

Below are the players who have played for both Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix.^[37]

Currently no players have played for Auckland before Wellington.

• Biggest win: 5 goals; Auckland 6–1 Wellington (22 February 2025), Wellington 0–5 Auckland (21 February 2026).
• Most goals scored: 7; Auckland 6–1 Wellington (22 February 2025).
• Most consecutive wins: 6, Auckland (2 November 2024 – 21 February 2026; ongoing).
• Highest attendance: 27,009 at Mount Smart Stadium (Auckland 6–1 Wellington; 22 February 2025).^[38]
• Average attendance: 20,607.
• Lowest attendance: 10,040 at Sky Stadium (Wellington 0–5 Auckland; 21 February 2026).^[39]

As of 21 February 2026

One player has scored a hat-trick in official New Zealand Derby matches.