
Ali Williams on the problem with Auckland
From Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett by NZME
November 17, 2025 · 48 min
About this episode
Ali Williams discusses life after rugby and the challenges facing Auckland.
Former All Black Ali Williams sits down with Paula for a surprisingly candid chat about life after rugby, raising a blended family of five and why he thinks Auckland is “the best city in the world” yet held back by stagnant decision making. He shares how a shower conversation sparked Auckland FC, why the club recruits on character as much as talent and how he and Anna Mowbray keep their kids grounded. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Host: Paula Bennett
Guest: Ali Williams
Topics covered
- life after rugby
- blended family
- Auckland
- decision making
- character recruitment
- keeping kids grounded
Keywords
- Ali Williams
- Auckland
- rugby
- blended family
- Auckland FC
- decision making
- character recruitment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Auckland FC
Places: Auckland
More episodes of Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett
- The time MKR's Colin Fassnidge went crazy in the jungle · May 30, 2026 · 33 min
- Barry Soper on the loneliness that comes with being prime minister · May 16, 2026 · 47 min
- Paul Ego is going solo and pushing boundaries · May 2, 2026 · 35 min
- Laura McGoldrick on parenting like her parents did · April 18, 2026 · 37 min
- When trauma sneaks up on you with Kelsey Waghorn · April 4, 2026 · 48 min
- David Seymour on politics, privacy, and being himself · December 20, 2025 · 40 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Ask Me Anything with Paula Bennett podcast page.