The Dutch team made their first practice in Aotearoa, for the FIFA World Cup 2023, public on 19 July, 2023. Plenty of fans made their way to Mount Maunganui to catch it. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Dunn
Fans have come out in force to welcome the Netherlands football team to Bay of Plenty, just days before the FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off.
The squad chose Tauranga as its base of operations and will train on a transformed cricket pitch at Bay Oval.
Their first practice in Aotearoa was made public, with plenty of die-hard Dutch fans making their way to Mount Maunganui to catch it.
The Orange Lionesses were treated to a traditional Māori welcome with songs and waiata on a clear sunny day at Bay Oval on Wednesday morning.
In return, the host iwi and local dignitaries got a special performance by the team themselves of their song 'Zie Die Leeuwinnen', or 'See Those Lionesses'.
Dutch player Lieke Martens said the ceremony brought the team closer with the hosts.
"They had their welcome song and we had our song," Martens said, "it felt really like we are a unit."
Dutch player Lieke Martens was happy about the public reception to their public training at Bay Oval on 19 July, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Dunn
The striker is well known for having scored the first goal for the Netherlands in the 2015 World Cup against New Zealand.
Martens said the reception to the public training was incredible.
"I'm so happy, like so many people came out today to see us ... we need that too you know."
Once the formal ceremonies were over, a flood of fans was released into Bay Oval.
Hundreds of football teams, school groups, and those who call the Netherlands their home had dressed up in the team's iconic orange, and chanted their support - eager to catch a glimpse of the 2019 World Cup runner-ups.
Local footballer Tessa said they had already secured their tickets for the finals in Sydney.
"I think we're pretty fortunate to see some world-class athletes, especially in the time in world football, how its just exploded in the last three world cups."
Tauranga City AFC coach Tai Ballentyne said it was an inspiration having the team on show for the community.
"It's about giving the exposure to the younger generation," Ballentyne said, "just to have it available and very present ... is just fantastic."
Jake, a goalkeeper for a local club, said he was excited to watch the team.
"It's like, you know, a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Nora was doing ballet but still had interest in football.
"It's really cool and I really wanted to come and watch them," she said. "I feel really happy being here."
The Dutch squad's mascot, an orange lion who goes by Kicky, spent the day signing team merchandise and posing for photos with fans on 19 July, 2023 at Bay Oval. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Dunn
For Dutch people who had been living in New Zealand, it was comforting to have a slice of home come to them.
"It's awesome to see, and so many people in orange too, it's great," said Lisa.
"I know there's a few Dutch people here, which is awesome, because we love our soccer."
The audience chanted a number of Netherland phrases, from "Go team go" to its Dutch version "Hup Holland hup". Once the practice had finished, players met with fans, signing merch, and posed for photos.
Staff handed out a number of football-related merch, including 200 orange poi. The squad's mascot, an orange lion who goes by Kicky, spent the day signing team merchandise and posing for photos with fans.
However, not all die-hard fans had the chance to catch their favourite team.
Tauranga Trade Aid retail manager Ingrid Otene propped up an impressive display of Dutch memorabilia in her shop window on 19 July, 2023, for the arrival of the Netherland's women's football team. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Dunn
Tauranga Trade Aid retail manager Ingrid Otene propped up an impressive display of Dutch memorabilia in her shop window on Wednesday morning. She moved to New Zealand from the Netherlands in 1986, and still felt the need to show her support when the team was playing.
"I still really love the Dutch soccer team, so whenever the men have played I've always had orange decorations around the house," Otene said.
She said she was very excited when she heard that the women's team were coming to town.
"I thought I'll decorate the shop window just in case they see it," she said.
Otene said she could not make it to the open training because of work. When asked what she would say to them if she saw them, she said: "good luck". The Netherlands take on Portugal for their debut game on Sunday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
