Northland Cricket’s Rob Geaney continues to play a significant role in strengthening coaching across Te Tai Tokerau, making a lasting impact through his leadership, generosity, and commitment to personal development.

As part of the initial Northland Coaching Plan steering group, Rob helped shape the foundations of more coaches who are more confident and capable across the region.

Rob remains highly active in the coaching space, facilitating workshops and supporting other facilitators, part of the Northland Coaching Series in 2025.  He consistently looks for opportunities to empower others, creating environments where learning is shared, and coaches feel supported to lead.

Rob has also been vital to the continuation of the Rangatahi Coaching Day.  Even through the years when no cricket coaches were in attendance, Rob backed the kaupapa and ensured the day continued, keeping the focus on rangatahi development and meaningful coaching experiences.  His commitment reflects a strong belief that coaching is about people first, not just numbers or sporting codes.

“Rob embodies what it means to be a coach of coaches.  Across every level of his mahi in the cricket world, he shares knowledge with humility and purpose, lifting capability and confidence in those around him.  From early ‘coach the coaches’ sessions in the hubs to guiding local rangatahi through their coaching journeys, his influence is felt in the way people think, lead and connect.  Grounded in the 6 Pillars of coaching, Rob consistently ensures positive, meaningful experiences for players and coaches alike.  His commitment to weaving te ao Māori into the fabric of the game in Te Tai Tokerau, particularly through his leadership of the Māori Men’s team, reflects a deep belief in tikanga and whānau connection. His impact isn’t just seen in performance; it’s felt in the people he influences” says Erin Steel, Sport Northland, Healthy Active Learning Project Lead and Football/Cricket Coach.

“Without Rob’s knowledge and experience in coaching our rangatahi throughout the region, we would not have the knowledge or continuation of the Rangatahi Coaching Programme. Rob’s willingness to help people become coaches and in turn better people, is making a lasting impact on coaching in Northland” explains Madeline Whittam, Sport Northland’s Regional System Connector.

Rob’s leadership, consistency, and people-first approach continue to shape a stronger coaching culture across Te Tai Tokerau.  His influence extends well beyond cricket, supporting the development of confident coaches, meaningful experiences for rangatahi, and a coaching environment grounded in values, connection, and care.

Want to support positive coaching in Northland? Get involved, back your local coaches, and help create great experiences for our young people.

Article written by Madeline Whittam, Regional System Connector