Dylan Mathews – Club Chairman
Originally from Australia, Dylan has lived in New Zealand for the past 10 years & joined Arsenal New Zealand in 2020. Since then has assisted in creating the Arsenal NZ Podcast & organising events around the country. Since 2022 Dylan has handled the ticket application process for members attending the Emirates as well as creating yearly London tours for members to travel together & experience the Arsenal in unique ways.
Contact – Dylan can be reached at the below emails
ticketing@arsenalnewzealand.co.nz
tours@arsenalnewzealand.co.nz
Kieran O’Malley – Wellington Rep
Contact: Wellington@arsenalnewzealand.co.nz
Don’t be fooled when you hear Kieran’s Scottish accent! Kieran was born in North London not far from Highbury and has been an Arsenal supporter since 4 years old.
On a sunny summers London day Kieran was in the local pub with his Mum – (back when kids would run around with a giant pool cue and a glass bottle of coke and a straw – circa 1986) – ran into a big group of Chelsea supporters in the pub who were trying to get Kieran to sing Chelsea!
A bit shy (and a very wise 4 year old back then) Kieran refused to even say the word and was shortly saved by his Uncle, a die-hard Gooner, with a glorious cannon tattooed on his forearm for good measure. ‘ ‘No nephew of mine will ever support you lot!’ was the phrase which then resulted in being dropped back to the pub in a full red Arsenal home strip about an hour later. With that a 38 year love of Arsenal Football Club began.
Even at 8 years old when Kieran moved to Scotland the Arsenal went too everywhere and anywhere. ‘I remember being sent to bed at 7pm as a kid and then staying awake hiding under the bedsheets listening to The Arsenal games on an old radio.’ I remember listening to Seaman’s penalty save v Sampdoria under the bed sheets and screaming the bedroom down in a quiet so-the-parents-cant-hear voice! What a game that was as we made the Cup Winners Cup Final. 1995 I think that was!
Fast forward a few years (many years) later, Kieran was a season ticket holder in the North Bank at The Emirates stadium getting funny looks and being called a ‘Sweaty Sock’ by his Arsenal mates who also sat in the North Bank.
‘Some amazing games at the Emirates! Brilliant people and memories of a lifetime. Some great banter being the only North London-Scot in the North Bank!
I was there that day when we beat Spurs 5-2. My mate was late getting there and I had his season ticket. Just as we got in our seats Adebayor scored Spurs 2nd and was dancing to take them to 2-0 up within the first 10 minutes. I was so gutted, spewing! I hated him after going there and City running the length of the pitch to cheer against us. So I stood up, looked at the sky and said very loudly and to the amusement of my fellow Gooners in the stand
‘God, it’s been a real shit week and now this!!!!’.
Just after that the goals started raining in and one of the best Arsenal games was born. God bless Theo Walcott that day. Every single time we desperately needed a goal after that in various games after that the Gooners around me in the stand would say ‘Kieran, have a word with the bigman up there will you, sort this shit out?!’.
Moving to NZ has been an amazing experience and just like you, I am up at 4am watching every game and cheering on my beloved Gooners! God I miss gameday with all the troops, but just like all those years ago, The Arsenal and I are still on this journey together. I feel privileged to be giving back to the club that has given me so much over all these years and the Arsenal New Zealand Wellington Rep!
Come out and join us this season for a game or two and join your fellow Wellington Gooners! We would love to see you there!
Mark Smith aka KiwiGooner – Auckland Rep
Contact: Auckland@arsenalnewzealand.co.nz
I was 10 – living in rugby-mad New Zealand in 1969 – when I flipped through the pages of Shoot magazine at my local news agent. The centre-spread was the Arsenal team photo…my life hasn’t been the same since. Soon I had pictures of Mcklintock, Wilson, Rice and co plasted on my bedroom wall. Following Arsenal back then consisted of listening to the British Football results at 9.05am on Sunday morning. If you missed them, you had to wait for the results in the NZ Herald on Monday morning. Shoot magazine was a weekly and I spent all my pocket money on it – when it came into the shops here it was two months out of date.
I saw my first game at Highbury in 2002, Anelka’s first game back with Man City. I was at Highbury for our 49th undefeated game against Villa. My favourite player is Robert Pires – he made everyone around him so much better. My favourite team is obviously the Invincibles.
My favourite moment was when an injured Pires received the Premiership trophy in 2001/02 and the whole team bowed down in honour. Favourite match – 89 title-winning match. I have watched Fever Pitch over 49 times. My best Arsenal-related experience was meeting the great man Ian Wright (leading the Totnumb chant and getting a hug from Wrighty).
Since Sky TV, I have watched Arsenal every match. I have a marketing and event background, I’m keen to give Aucklanders the opportunity to meet and share our love for the team. I get to share my Arsenal experience with my son Cameron. My youngest son is a Liverpool fan and the boys’ mother is the referee! COYG
David Mansell – Christchurch Rep
Contact: Christchurch@arsenalnewzealand.co.nz
David Mansell’s journey as an Arsenal fan began in 2006 when his best friend introduced him to the beautiful game through Arsenal Football Club. The club’s rich history and the playing style dubbed “Wengerball” captivated him instantly.
Though born in South Africa, his roots are British, and football has always been a part of his identity. Moving to Christchurch, New Zealand, marked a new chapter in life, but it also meant being far from the heart of the football culture he loved. Despite the distance, his passion for Arsenal only grew stronger. Seeking a way to connect with fellow fans, he joined the Arsenal New Zealand Supporters Club. There, he found a community of like-minded Gooners who share the same passion, even on what they affectionately call the “arse end of the world.” For a time, he also co-hosted the Arsenal NZ podcast with Dylan and a few others. This experience allowed him to discuss the ups and downs of the club, connect with more fans, and deepen his involvement in the Arsenal community. For him, supporting Arsenal has been more than just following a football team; it’s been a way to stay connected to his roots, maintain friendships, and embrace the shared joys and heartbreaks that come with being a Gooner. The camaraderie within the Arsenal New Zealand Supporters Club and the podcast experience have enriched his journey, reminding him that no matter where you are in the world, there’s always a place for you in the Arsenal family.