Had a guy about 17/18 come and do some work for us. He saw my number plate and commented why would you go and watch them. We got talking and i said so you dont like football and he said no me and mates play and one of my mates is in the Academy. He said he dosnt go to Phoenix games he supports Liverpool and gets up to watch their games. When he turned 18 went into Four Kings one morning to watch one of their big games.
Have no idea at all how you can turn that sort of thinking into getting him to attend games.
Did you invite him to come along and check out a game? You could recommend he stand in the Fever Zone, for an atmosphere that is pretty unique for live sport in NZ. I wasn't of course privy to your discussion, but a young 18 yr NZ male, may well enjoy it.
Failing that just say part of his work payment, has to be a free tix to a game. Never too young/old to be converted.