August 31, 2024 • 10 mins
At least three former All Whites have joined the ownership group of Auckland FC ahead of the upcoming A-League season.
Noah Hickey is among those who've committed to investing in the new team - he joined Piney to discuss.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from Newstalk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Three former All Whites have joined the ownership group of
New a League football club Auckland FC. Winston Reed, Noah
Hickey and Tim Brown have joined former All Black Ali
Williams and entrepreneur Anna Mowbray in investing into the Auckland
f C ownership group. The club remains majority owned though
by American businessman Bill Foley. Noahickey, one of those three,
(00:33):
played professional football for a decade, including stints with Auckland's
earlier editions of professional clubs, The Kings and the Knights.
He also had time playing in Finland, thirty three caps
for New Zealand between nineteen ninety seven and two thousand
and seven, including all three matches at the two thousand
and three Confederations Cup. Posters playing career, Noahicky's been involved
(00:54):
in all sorts of things, including mentorship, philanthropy, executive leadership
and investing. He's been involved in successful ventures like pushpay
and co founded fashion brand as You Were. He's currently
CEO of fleet maintenance software company Whip Around. He also
had eight years on the board of Wellington Phoenix. No Hick,
(01:14):
he's with us from where he's now based in San Diego. Man,
I got tired even reading that. Noah, I'm surprised you've
got time for something else. How are you, mate?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Everyone needs passion projects right?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Oh good?
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Thank you, Pioney. Great to hear your voice.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Great to hear yours as well. Mate. Tell us about
the discussions which have led to your investment into Auckland FC.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Yeah, well, you know, it's been as far back as
times when you really kicked in and were became the
prominent figure in New Zealand football as well with the
Wellington Phoenix when that moved down to Wellington and Lloyd
Morrison with a vision and Rob Morrison, who I think
has been the most influential person in New Zealand football.
But I'll get onto that doing what they did. And look,
(01:59):
I've been away for quite some time, really, for eight
years business in the US mostly, and always loved what
is happening up here with the MLS and the growth
of it, and always had a passion that Auckland needs
a team. And I think what Wellington has done for
(02:19):
not only the league but also for New Zealand has
been amazing. So anytime that there was an opportunity, I
thought that we could have a derby and what the
ultimate dream would be for me is have an Auckland
Wellington Final and I could be part of it with
some phenomenal people. It's not very hard to convince.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Men good stuff. Was this a joint decision by you,
Tim Brown and Winston Reid or did you all make
the decision to get involved independent of one another.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
Well, look, I mean we're great mays, the three of us,
and we do regularly keep in touch. I mean I
went and stayed with Brown a few months ago and
I'll do it again soon. And so we've just had
discussions about it for a long long time and being
pretty passionate about doing something. Winston's done his own thing
with academies. I mean, Winston's a powerhouse right just who
(03:14):
he is and what he's been able to do. But yeah,
for the most part, I've been head down with the
business and investments and so it's been loose conversations. But
the moment that the opportunity came about, and that was
actually a phone call from Ali and Anna, that's when
it really kicked into gear. But Tim, I mean I've
(03:35):
got to say Tim's passion behind this and his want
well before even this ownership group came in, he was
you know, he's been in discussion, is trying to make
it happen anyway. So I think that's been something that
he can be very proud of.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
How much hands on involvement do you think you'll have, Noah.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Probably myself not so much. It's more if I look
at everyone's strengths on there, there's Bill is phenomenal. So
you know, when I got the call from alian Anna,
I was in vague because I have to spend a
lot of time there with the business. And I was
driving past the Vegas Knight's Hockey Arena and I was like, Wow,
this is meant to be if it's some reason the
(04:18):
world's of aligned. And I'm looking at this amazing achievement
from you know, Bill and thinking having that news villainder
is just I mean, it gives me goose. I'm still
to think that that's where New Zealand sports ownership has
got to because that's what's made it happen here, and
the emails and the like. And so when I look
at what he already has in resources and what he
(04:40):
brings and then I look at Anna and the Zuru world,
and you know, I've had some first hand exposure to
that up here. It's so much bigger than any of
us could ever comprehend. I look at what I can
bring and I you know, I think I've got relationships
with the Phoenix. I think us and the Phoenix can
actually family, will have that hard rivalry. I've already seen
(05:01):
some of the band or even with our name's been mentioned,
which is fantastic. But I do think that, you know,
we can do a lot together for New Zealand football,
and I think the future of football is bright having
two teams, So any part that I can play in
that is where I really want to do as much
as I can. And then that's something that I know
(05:23):
if we can have more Winston Reeds, we can have
more international transfers going to some of these bigger clubs,
which is already happening. I mean, New Zealand football is
a long time and long way advance with players playing
in Europe now when even I was playing. More of
that is what I want to have influence.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
And you mentioned Rob Morrison before, and I've listened to
other interviews and read some of your comments since you've
invested in Auckland FC talking about Rob's influence and you
obviously alluded to it a short time ago in our chat.
How big an influence has he been on you? And
as you say, maybe you could expand on his influence
on the game here in New Zealand as well.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
Yeah, well, look Morrison his brother who is you know,
he's past, but he is a hero of mine. My
son's actually named after him and my grandfather, so they
were two big influencers. And then introduced me to Rob
and the Phoenix right at the early stages, and I
got to see firsthand how much work Rob put in
(06:27):
to this and it's been phenomenal. I mean in terms
of not just for the Wellington Phoenix as well, but
for the full ownership group. There's a couple of the
owners who have had major, major roles in getting the
league to where it is right now. I'm in Melbourne City.
They've got Simon, and then I think with Wellington and
having Rob, the owners have actually looked to Rob a
(06:49):
lot from what I got to see, and almost leaned
on him because of the way he operates. So for me, look,
I think that he is probably if not. I think
he is. Actually he's the person who has done the
most for New Zealand football in the last ten years
(07:09):
and also for the A League as well for a
New Zealand representation. Everything that I've seen him do, and
then how we as an Auckland group and I look
at myself in a more in as football in New
Zealand can do things together or follow and always respect
(07:29):
what he did for this pathway. I just feel that
I want to add something as well that I can
to have any touch of what Rob's done, because he's
a legend. And so you know what influence did you
have on me? I got to watch all of that,
I got to learn. I'd say, if there's anything that
I've got a strength, it's just leaning off people that
(07:50):
a much better than me. And you're going and using
it myself.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
What an editude, What a great attitude. So are we
going to see you down I know you're busy, but
we're going to see you down there for any games?
For derbies?
Speaker 3 (07:59):
Maybe I'd love to be at the derby's. My schedules
pretty crazy, so I've got I know that if I
missed too many games, Ali will give me a dead arm.
And I frame the minds. So that's probably where my
fear comes from. So make sure I get down for
quite a bit. And look, I just I kind of
(08:22):
miss New Zealand and this part of it quite often, right,
And so anything I can do to jump on a
plane and come back and come and catch up with you,
Piney and all of the crew, I'll be That's a
great part of life, I would say for the future coming.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Up, ye look forward to seeing you and just what
we've got you. What is what is my taking up
most of your time at the moment? CEO of of
Whip Around? Is that your Is that the thing that
takes up most of your time at the moment?
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah, I mean, look, I'm in a plane every week.
We've got some of the largest companies in the US
construction through all sorts of things. So I'm learning a
lot through that as well. I spent a ton of
time doing that. But I've got to say my one
of my other major passion projects is surfing. And my
son is just an absolute surfer. So I am driving
(09:10):
around all the California You're taking him to surf competitions
and you know, learning a bit of surf coaching. As
I go because I have to. So that's those are
the two things that take out most of my time.
And they're both funds, so I can't say I've got
no complaints, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Good stuff. Well, it was great news during the week
to hear of your investment along with Tim Brown and
Winston Reid. You know, three iconic names in our game
and three men who have gone on to great things
post they're playing career. No awesome to get the chance
to chat to you, mate, get down here for one
of those derbies. I can't wait to see you.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
You're top man.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Cheers plaining thank you. Noah Noahickey that one of the
new investors into Auckland FC, along with Tim Brown and
Winston Reed. Bill Foley, of course, the American billionaire businessman
is the majority owner, Annamobray and Ali Williams the others
in that ownership group. Less than fifty days now until
the New A League season starts, including of course an
A League debut for the new Boys on the Bloc
(10:05):
Auckland F.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk set B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio,
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from Newstalk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Three former All Whites have joined the ownership group of
New a League football club Auckland FC. Winston Reed, Noah
Hickey and Tim Brown have joined former All Black Ali
Williams and entrepreneur Anna Mowbray in investing into the Auckland
f C ownership group. The club remains majority owned though
by American businessman Bill Foley. Noahickey, one of those three,
(00:33):
played professional football for a decade, including stints with Auckland's
earlier editions of professional clubs, The Kings and the Knights.
He also had time playing in Finland, thirty three caps
for New Zealand between nineteen ninety seven and two thousand
and seven, including all three matches at the two thousand
and three Confederations Cup. Posters playing career, Noahicky's been involved
(00:54):
in all sorts of things, including mentorship, philanthropy, executive leadership
and investing. He's been involved in successful ventures like pushpay
and co founded fashion brand as You Were. He's currently
CEO of fleet maintenance software company Whip Around. He also
had eight years on the board of Wellington Phoenix. No Hick,
(01:14):
he's with us from where he's now based in San Diego. Man,
I got tired even reading that. Noah, I'm surprised you've
got time for something else. How are you, mate?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Everyone needs passion projects right?
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Oh good?
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Thank you, Pioney. Great to hear your voice.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Great to hear yours as well. Mate. Tell us about
the discussions which have led to your investment into Auckland FC.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Yeah, well, you know, it's been as far back as
times when you really kicked in and were became the
prominent figure in New Zealand football as well with the
Wellington Phoenix when that moved down to Wellington and Lloyd
Morrison with a vision and Rob Morrison, who I think
has been the most influential person in New Zealand football.
But I'll get onto that doing what they did. And look,
(01:59):
I've been away for quite some time, really, for eight
years business in the US mostly, and always loved what
is happening up here with the MLS and the growth
of it, and always had a passion that Auckland needs
a team. And I think what Wellington has done for
(02:19):
not only the league but also for New Zealand has
been amazing. So anytime that there was an opportunity, I
thought that we could have a derby and what the
ultimate dream would be for me is have an Auckland
Wellington Final and I could be part of it with
some phenomenal people. It's not very hard to convince.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Men good stuff. Was this a joint decision by you,
Tim Brown and Winston Reid or did you all make
the decision to get involved independent of one another.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
Well, look, I mean we're great mays, the three of us,
and we do regularly keep in touch. I mean I
went and stayed with Brown a few months ago and
I'll do it again soon. And so we've just had
discussions about it for a long long time and being
pretty passionate about doing something. Winston's done his own thing
with academies. I mean, Winston's a powerhouse right just who
(03:14):
he is and what he's been able to do. But yeah,
for the most part, I've been head down with the
business and investments and so it's been loose conversations. But
the moment that the opportunity came about, and that was
actually a phone call from Ali and Anna, that's when
it really kicked into gear. But Tim, I mean I've
(03:35):
got to say Tim's passion behind this and his want
well before even this ownership group came in, he was
you know, he's been in discussion, is trying to make
it happen anyway. So I think that's been something that
he can be very proud of.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
How much hands on involvement do you think you'll have, Noah.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Probably myself not so much. It's more if I look
at everyone's strengths on there, there's Bill is phenomenal. So
you know, when I got the call from alian Anna,
I was in vague because I have to spend a
lot of time there with the business. And I was
driving past the Vegas Knight's Hockey Arena and I was like, Wow,
this is meant to be if it's some reason the
(04:18):
world's of aligned. And I'm looking at this amazing achievement
from you know, Bill and thinking having that news villainder
is just I mean, it gives me goose. I'm still
to think that that's where New Zealand sports ownership has
got to because that's what's made it happen here, and
the emails and the like. And so when I look
at what he already has in resources and what he
(04:40):
brings and then I look at Anna and the Zuru world,
and you know, I've had some first hand exposure to
that up here. It's so much bigger than any of
us could ever comprehend. I look at what I can
bring and I you know, I think I've got relationships
with the Phoenix. I think us and the Phoenix can
actually family, will have that hard rivalry. I've already seen
(05:01):
some of the band or even with our name's been mentioned,
which is fantastic. But I do think that, you know,
we can do a lot together for New Zealand football,
and I think the future of football is bright having
two teams, So any part that I can play in
that is where I really want to do as much
as I can. And then that's something that I know
(05:23):
if we can have more Winston Reeds, we can have
more international transfers going to some of these bigger clubs,
which is already happening. I mean, New Zealand football is
a long time and long way advance with players playing
in Europe now when even I was playing. More of
that is what I want to have influence.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
And you mentioned Rob Morrison before, and I've listened to
other interviews and read some of your comments since you've
invested in Auckland FC talking about Rob's influence and you
obviously alluded to it a short time ago in our chat.
How big an influence has he been on you? And
as you say, maybe you could expand on his influence
on the game here in New Zealand as well.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
Yeah, well, look Morrison his brother who is you know,
he's past, but he is a hero of mine. My
son's actually named after him and my grandfather, so they
were two big influencers. And then introduced me to Rob
and the Phoenix right at the early stages, and I
got to see firsthand how much work Rob put in
(06:27):
to this and it's been phenomenal. I mean in terms
of not just for the Wellington Phoenix as well, but
for the full ownership group. There's a couple of the
owners who have had major, major roles in getting the
league to where it is right now. I'm in Melbourne City.
They've got Simon, and then I think with Wellington and
having Rob, the owners have actually looked to Rob a
(06:49):
lot from what I got to see, and almost leaned
on him because of the way he operates. So for me, look,
I think that he is probably if not. I think
he is. Actually he's the person who has done the
most for New Zealand football in the last ten years
(07:09):
and also for the A League as well for a
New Zealand representation. Everything that I've seen him do, and
then how we as an Auckland group and I look
at myself in a more in as football in New
Zealand can do things together or follow and always respect
(07:29):
what he did for this pathway. I just feel that
I want to add something as well that I can
to have any touch of what Rob's done, because he's
a legend. And so you know what influence did you
have on me? I got to watch all of that,
I got to learn. I'd say, if there's anything that
I've got a strength, it's just leaning off people that
(07:50):
a much better than me. And you're going and using
it myself.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
What an editude, What a great attitude. So are we
going to see you down I know you're busy, but
we're going to see you down there for any games?
For derbies?
Speaker 3 (07:59):
Maybe I'd love to be at the derby's. My schedules
pretty crazy, so I've got I know that if I
missed too many games, Ali will give me a dead arm.
And I frame the minds. So that's probably where my
fear comes from. So make sure I get down for
quite a bit. And look, I just I kind of
(08:22):
miss New Zealand and this part of it quite often, right,
And so anything I can do to jump on a
plane and come back and come and catch up with you,
Piney and all of the crew, I'll be That's a
great part of life, I would say for the future coming.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Up, ye look forward to seeing you and just what
we've got you. What is what is my taking up
most of your time at the moment? CEO of of
Whip Around? Is that your Is that the thing that
takes up most of your time at the moment?
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah, I mean, look, I'm in a plane every week.
We've got some of the largest companies in the US
construction through all sorts of things. So I'm learning a
lot through that as well. I spent a ton of
time doing that. But I've got to say my one
of my other major passion projects is surfing. And my
son is just an absolute surfer. So I am driving
(09:10):
around all the California You're taking him to surf competitions
and you know, learning a bit of surf coaching. As
I go because I have to. So that's those are
the two things that take out most of my time.
And they're both funds, so I can't say I've got
no complaints, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Good stuff. Well, it was great news during the week
to hear of your investment along with Tim Brown and
Winston Reid. You know, three iconic names in our game
and three men who have gone on to great things
post they're playing career. No awesome to get the chance
to chat to you, mate, get down here for one
of those derbies. I can't wait to see you.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
You're top man.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Cheers plaining thank you. Noah Noahickey that one of the
new investors into Auckland FC, along with Tim Brown and
Winston Reed. Bill Foley, of course, the American billionaire businessman
is the majority owner, Annamobray and Ali Williams the others
in that ownership group. Less than fifty days now until
the New A League season starts, including of course an
A League debut for the new Boys on the Bloc
(10:05):
Auckland F.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk set B weekends from midday or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio,
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