Walter Wells
At the most recent RLN Board meeting Walter Wells was voted in as the New Chairperson. Walter will Chair the RLN Board: James Nair – Deputy Chair, Greg Steed, Brad Flower, Rangitane Marsden, Bob Willoughby and Juanita Hool.
I am most humbled to have the full support of the Board to lead Rugby League Northland (RLN). As an organisation we simply aspire to be credible and sustainable. To a great extent we have achieved part of that journey through the leadership of the previous Chair, Bruce Peden and inaugural Board member Tom Jackson. Both these gentlemen deserve acknowledgement for their tireless contribution, direction and leadership that has provided a solid foundation for the organisation to build on. My sincere gratitude and best wishes to the both of them. As we look to build on those foundations my priority for the Board is supporting club development. Club development permeates across the RLN strategic plan. Critical to the success of that will be the engagement and relationships the Board develops with Clubs in order that we grow a credible and sustainable game.
Board meetings are held on the third Monday of the Month, club representatives are welcome to address the board by prior arrangement. Please contact the RLN General Manager to arrange.
James Nair, Deputy Chairperson
James Nair
James brings financial accountability and governance skills to the Board. He is currently a self-employed Chartered Accountant. James has an interest in youth development and is currently a Trustee with the He Puna Marama Trust who are involved with the Maori Leadership academy that feeds into local Whangarei Secondary Schools. James previously worked in Rugby League as part of the management committee in the earlier Bartercard Cup days with Northland.
Rangitane Marsden
Rangitane Marsden
Rangitane Marsden is a club elected representative on the RLN Board. Rangitane was nominated by the Muriwhenua Falcons. Rangitane is the Chief Executive Officer of Te Runanga O NgaiTakoto in Kaitaia. He has over 17 years experience as negotiator in the Treaty Claims and was instrumental in the Iwi Deeds of Settlements Signing in 2012. Rangitane is responsible for the overall direction and progressing the NgaiTakoto Iwi 2013-16 Post Settlement Government entity. Rangitane is committed to developing partnerships with Te Hiku Social Accord, Iwi Leaders Forum. He was Co-Chair of the Iwi Council Better Local Government Working Group, as is presently involved in the Development of Economic Growth and Social Change for the Northland Region, alongside Central Government and local government. Rangitane has had previous involvement with Rugby League in South Auckland (Mangere East Hawks) as a junior coach, and his son’s continue to play club rugby, locally in Whangarei.
Robert (Bob) Willougby
Robert Willoughby
Robert has a proven operational background in FMCG, both nationally and internationally, across all business disciplines. As a senior executive for Coca-Cola, he held responsibility in trade marketing across all channels and was appointed to lead and build the business infrastructure for Coca-Cola in Belarus. Thereafter, appointed to lead the re-engineering of market access and service effectiveness for Coca-Cola in Czech Republic and the Eastern European emerging markets. A respected thinker who understands design and process to maximise the internal and external value chain when working with customers to ultimately secure market share. As an experienced coach and trainer who understands business fundamentals, Robert has worked sucessfully with people from different cultures and levels of society. As a customer service practitioner he has a wide range of skills in problem solving, service delivery and business interpretation allowing him to see opportunity and assess risk to get the best outcomes. Robert’s current public appointments include, Member of the Northland Conservation Board and the Tai Tokeraru Public Health Organisation, Trustee of the Ki A Ora Ngati Wai Health Trust and a Certified Practiioner as a Hearing Commissioner on the RMA Act.
Greg Steed
Greg Steed
Kaitaia born Greg Steed is an experienced non-executive Director and Manager, with a strong background in strategy, finance and supply chain across a number of industry sectors. He is a director at Top Energy Ltd and Chairman of their Audit and Risk Committee. Previous roles include 10 years at the NZ Shippers Council serving as deputy chairman for 2 years and Chairman for 5 years, senior supply chain positions in Carter Holt Harvey Ltd and accounting roles in CHH and other organisations in N.Z and overseas. Greg is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Auckland. He enjoys golf, cycling, and tennis and an avid follower of rugby league and soccer including coaching.
Brad Flower
Brad Flower
Brad is a Civil Engineer with 23 years experience and has lived in Northland almost all of his life, attending local schools in the Kamo area. He is currently employed by Downer NZ and has previously been the General Manager of a local Roadmarking company, having also spent 15 years with local company McBreen Jenkins Construction progressing from a surveyor to a Senior Project Manager. Brad is currently the Chairman of the Hurupaki Primary Board of Trustees, he has also been on the Board of the Kamo Soccer club for 27 years. Until recently Brad had also served 3 years as vice chairman and 3 years as chairman of NZ Contractors Federation – Northland Branch.
Brad was also a foundation Board member of North Force, he held a position on the Board for 8 years. North Force is Northlands only regional Football entity playing in the Northern Regional Football League. During his years working in Northland and with his community involvement he has developed relationships which include individuals within the Central Government, Northland Regional Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Far North District Council, Local Media (both print and radio) and the wider Business Community. Brad has a proven track record of being able to work with diverse groups of people and blending them together to get desired outcomes.
Juanita Hool
Juanita Hool
Juanita has been involved in Rugby League administration in Northland for over 25 years with a variety of roles, including, Team Manager, Delegate, and Secretary and Chairperson at both Club and District Level. Northland born and bred she has an indepth knowledge of the environs of “grass roots” football for the area. A life member of the Takahiwai Warriors, Juanita has proven that she is in for the long haul and sees junior development, especially at Club level, as the cornerstone for the sustainable future of Rugby League – enabling Clubs to be the “best that they can be” and therein providing pathways for all to be participants in the Sport. Her philosophy is that there is absolutely a role for everyone in this game! In her professional career she is employed in the Public Service (within the Justice Sector) and has demonstrated a high level of commitment with the same organisation for almost 30 years. Juanita deals with a wide range of issues in her position and is well versed in mediation and dispute resolution. Her strengths are demonstrated in her strategic approach at both District and National level and in the practical skills required with dealing with the people of our community. She is a trustee of the Takahiwai Marae and has previously been a member of the Bream Bay College Board of Trustees. Juanita is the youngest of seven siblings and enjoys spending time with, and cooking for her whanau, overseas travel and relaxing at the beach. She attributes her interest in Rugby League began with her parents; who were both involved throughout their lifetimes in the Sport and has continued through her husband and sons who have each played at Club and Representative level.
