Meet the Team

Dylan Mathews – General Manager

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

Steve Cutting – Wellington Rep

Contact: Wellington@arsenalnewzealand.co.nz

Hey Gooners. I’m Steve Cutting, a born and raised Wellingtonian and Arsenal fan for over 40 years. London became my second home when I lived there for 6 years, and I even enjoyed working in Woolwich – the spiritual home of AFC. I was lucky enough to see more than 30 Arsenal games live, and believe Arsenal fans are like a family. A life-long Gooner, I’m keen to continue to grow the Wellington fan club and community, and ensure all Arsenal fans feel enjoy the ride with Arsenal from our Capital, for many years to come.

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Shoot magazine was a weekly and I spent all my pocket money on it – when it came into the shops here it was two months out of date.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.