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RUGBY LEAGUE NORTHLAND BOARD

TRIDENT RATU

Co-Chairman

Trident was elected as a Co-Chair in late 2023 and has been involved in Rugby League as a player, coach and administrator for many years with strong whanau connection to the game at elite levels. As the key club figure of Wairoa Bulls, Trident adds  significant grass roots value to rugby league across the rohe.

AARON SPENCE

Co-Chairman

Aaron is an independent appointee to the RLN Board and is currently co-chair. Raised in Whangarei, he is a passionate Northlander and proud Kiwi. With extensive leadership experience, Aaron focuses on adding value to people and organisations. Understanding team dynamics and strategic thinking allows him to contribute effectively across various aspects of an organisation.

DYLAN CRAIG

Elected Board Member

As a club elected director Dylan has many years of experience in rugby league as a Northland Batercard Cup representative from the early 2000’s. He is a key stakeholder at the Morewa Tigers, one of Northlands most successful clubs. Dylan is a small business owner and well respected member of the community.

KATH KEREMETE

Appointed Board Member

​​​​​​​Kath is a descendant of Te Hikutu, Te Mahurehure, Ngāti Tahu me Ngāti Whaoa Hapu. Born and raised in Mangere South Auckland she returned home to lead the strategic thinking and innovation practice as Manager for the Healthy Families Far North team and Co-Chair of Sport Northland.

Kath utilizes social innovation practices to encourage active collaboration across different sectors and levels of the system to affect meaningful social change, ensuring whānau are at the table to design powerful alternatives to the status-quo. Representing New Zealand in several sports Kath is passionate about Rugby League and is a former Kiwi Fern, NRLW Warriors player and NRL Māori All Star, she loves kai and adventures.

MELISSA WALLACE

Appointed Board Member

Melissa is a Chartered Accountant with broad professional experience, starting out in a Chartered Accountant practice in Whangārei and then gaining experience in a range of industries including construction, manufacturing, public sector and charitable organisations. She is committed to making a positive impact in her rohe by helping Māori and Pasifika business to achieve their aspirations.

Before embarking on her career as an accountant she first spent 11 years in the NZ Army in the area of logistics. She loved the Army life, the friends, the travel, the challenges, but once she started having a family she decided to retrain as an accountant to provide a more stable family life for her whānau.

Although her whānau hail from the Hawkes Bay and the King Country, she has spent most of her life in Whangārei and so this is where she calls home. She has 3 children, 11 years to 18 years, who keep her very busy, generally on the side of a rugby field or netball court. To relax she loves to spend time outdoors, be it hiking, fishing, camping or just relaxing at the beach. 

JACKSON KATENE

Appointed Board Member

Although new to Directorship, Jackson has a long history in Rugby League. He started playing at the age of 9 in Mangere East, then transitioned to Otahuhu Leopards before eventually moving to Horeke. He continued his success by joining the Hokianga Pioneers and winning numerous championships in Bay of Islands as well as Northland Wide/Whangarei Districts. Jackson's involvement in Rugby League goes beyond playing; he has also coached successful teams like Otangarei Knights and Hokianga Pioneers to championships. His family is deeply rooted in the sport, with his wife, Dallas, eldest son Jordan, and himself representing Northland. The legacy may continue with his youngest son, Wiremu, in the future.

ROIMATA HAWKE

Appointed Board Member

With 10 years as a player with Auckland based club Richmond Rovers (1996-2006) her desire to give back to the game she loves led Roimata to join the board in 2023. She is a highly regarded strategic manager who brings a wealth of administration to the Rugby League Northland Board.