Dale has been instrumental in laying strong foundations for the Taniwha. His leadership has not only guided the team on the field but has deeply shaped the off-field environment — creating a culture of resilience, connection, and pride that will continue to underpin the Taniwha for years to come. Dale’s work in building pathways for player development and fostering a positive, professional environment has put Northland Rugby in a stronger position for the future. His ethos is one of genuine care, hard work, and belief in the potential of our players and people.
Northland Rugby Union High Performance Manager Brad Te Haara paid tribute to Dale’s significant contribution, saying:
“Dale has been a pivotal figure in developing both the players and the culture within the Taniwha. His passion, work ethic, and connection to our people have been second to none. Dale had indicated some time ago that international opportunities were emerging, and together we’ve worked proactively to ensure if something eventuated we were well organised as we knew it would assist with a smooth transition and strong continuity for the team. He has laid strong foundations that we will continue to build on. We are truly grateful for his commitment and leadership, and we wish him all the best as he takes this next step in his career.”
His decision to step away has come after careful consideration and is driven by an opportunity that will be invaluable for his own growth and career aspirations.
While it is never easy to see a valued member of our team move on, we are excited about the future. Thanks to Dale’s groundwork, Northland Rugby is in a strong position to continue to grow and thrive. The search for our next Taniwha Head Coach is already underway, with a focus on building on the momentum and culture Dale has helped to create. We are committed to securing the right leader who shares our vision for the Taniwha and our community.
On behalf of everyone at Northland Rugby, we extend our thanks to Dale for his service and leadership.
We look forward to announcing the next exciting chapter for our Taniwha soon — one that builds on the foundations laid by Dale and takes our union into a bright and ambitious future.
