Hannah Wilkinson
Hannah Wilkinson
A Celebration of Three Women’s World Cups at Eden Park
2022
Location: Cricket Ave
In 2022, Eden Park facilitated a street art mural by Football Fern, Hannah Wilkinson, celebrating the three Women’s World Cups that were held at Eden Park in 2022 and 2023.
This special piece combines elements that symbolise our nation in connection with our powerful female athletes, including our lofty maunga, native birds, and female sporting heroes and national identifiers connected by a kirituhi-style ribbon. The koru unfurls across the image, producing the silver fern and symbolising the growth of the country’s female athletes.
The mural’s creation signals a paradigm shift for sports and our national stadium. The hosting of these three Women’s World Cups is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve gender equality in sport.
Artist, Hannah Wilkinson says: Women’s sport deserves to be recognised, and our female athletes deserve the spotlight. Thanks to Eden Park, Kiwis can celebrate and support their greatness, and to our young girls and boys – Whāia te iti Kahurangi – pursue that which you desire. Our strong female athletes are here to inspire.
Hannah Wilkinson
A Women’s World Cup Trophy
2023
Location: Level 3, Gate G
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was the third Women’s World Cup tournament Eden Park delivered in 18 months. These tournaments took significant steps to advance women’s sport in Aotearoa, inspiring the next generation and creating a paradigm shift.
During the electrifying opening match on July 20th between the Football Ferns and Norway, Hannah Wilkinson scored the first goal for the Ferns in front of a record crowd of more than 42,000 at Eden Park. Although the Football Ferns did not go on to win the Cup, they certainly won the hearts and minds of the nation.
This special artwork, an original of Hannah’s, depicts what every women’s footballer dreams of – the Women’s World Cup Trophy, a symbol of global triumph in the beautiful game. Hannah originally created it to raise funds for the Hawke’s Bay flood relief efforts after the region was hit by devastating Cyclone Gabrielle.
The piece is currently on loan from Nick Sautner, Eden Park CEO.
