Ngaruawahia United played its first friendly international since the 1990?s against the National League champions of the Solomon Islands. Marist FC – who were eliminated from the 2006 OFC Club Championship at the hands of Auckland City and AS Pirae – travelled to Ngaruawahia to play the friendly emphasising the Kiwi club’s strong South Pacific connections.
After a goalless first half, Marist FC scored two late second-half goals to take the game 2-0 despite a gritty performance from Ngaruawahia United. At the end of the match Ngaruawahia United President Maxine Williams presented Marist FC coach Patrick Miniti with a hamper of football gear to take back to the Melanesian country.
Shortly after this match, Ngaruawahia United signed Solomon Islands international player Stanley Waita. Waita won 30 caps for his country and appeared in the OFC Nations Cup Final and FIFA World Cup playoff against Australia. Waita was a significant factor in Ngaruawahia United’s promotion charge scoring a raft of goals. His form was enough to earn him a contract with NZFC side Waikato FC.