A Wāhine and Kōhine Advisory Group (WKAG) has been formally established as a sub-committee of the WaiBOP Football Board, as of June 2025.

The WKAG supports the delivery and outcomes of WaiBOP’s Gender Equity Framework and Action Plan, as well as the Statement of Strategic Direction 2025–2030, with a focus on girls and women in football.

Following a call for nominations in April 2025, the WaiBOP Board appointed the group members with consideration given to geographic coverage across the WaiBOP region, experience across levels of the game (Junior, Youth, Senior), and the specific skills and knowledge required to support the roles and responsibilities of the group

The confirmed members and their clubs are:

• Caitlin Byrne – FCTM

• Catherine Donovan – Lakes FC

• Daniel Davidson – Otumoetai FC

• Leonie Gordon – Tauranga Blue Rovers

• Misha Greenall – Tauranga City AFC

• Neda Espie – Tauranga City AFC

• Selina Oliver – Cambridge FC

• Sofie Ware – Otumoetai FC

• Tiffany Ulatowski – Claudelands Rovers

They are joined by appointed members Kelly Oldridge, Youth Engagement Lead at Sport Waikato, and Luuka Jones, Women and Girls Lead at Sport BOP.

Donna McCutcheon joins the group as the WaiBOP Board Member representative, and is the Chair of the group. 

WaiBOP Football are represented by Natalie Broadhead and Anna Harris, both Women and Girls Development Officers; and Alida Shanks, GM Operations, who takes the role of Secretary. 

With backgrounds including playing, coaching, club administration, community sport, education, and cultural leadership, each member brings unique insight and experience to the group,

While two clubs are represented by more than one member, all appointments were made based on the individual strengths and perspectives of the nominees.

Membership of the WKAG is a voluntary position, with no renumeration. 

The WaiBOP Football Board looks forward to supporting the WKAG as it helps shape a stronger, more inclusive future for wāhine and kōhine across the game.

The WKAG can be contacted via the email address wkag@waibop.co.nz

See short bios of the WKAG, as well as refer to the full Terms of Reference for the WKAG, including the Objectives and 2025 Work Programme - here.

Article added: Thursday 12 June 2025