Dilan Raj Appointed General Manager
Welcoming Dilan Raj to Bay of Plenty Hockey Association.
Bay of Plenty Hockey Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Dilan Raj as its new General Manager, commencing Monday the 7th of September 2026.
Dilan brings extensive leadership experience across sports administration, development and coaching, with deep insight into the opportunities and challenges facing regional sporting organisations.
Most recently, Dilan served as General Manager of Hockey Manawatū, where he led the organisation's operations and fostered strong partnerships with clubs, schools, players, officials, volunteers, councils and key stakeholders. Under his leadership, the association strengthened participation pathways, enhanced organisational culture, expanded sponsorship opportunities, hosted national tournaments including the National Hockey Championship and Franchise Hockey, and delivered significant infrastructure improvements.
Dilan's leadership experience spans both hockey and cricket. Prior to joining hockey, he held senior leadership and coaching roles with Cricket Whanganui, Manawatū Cricket, Central Districts Cricket and New Zealand Cricket. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for growing participation, developing high-quality player and coach pathways, and strengthening organisational capability and sustainability.
This breadth of experience across community, representative and high-performance sport will be invaluable as Bay of Plenty Hockey continues to grow and strengthen hockey across Rotorua, Taupō and Whakatāne.
Bay of Plenty Hockey Chair, Amish Fermah, said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Dilan to Bay of Plenty Hockey following a comprehensive recruitment process.
Before looking ahead, we would like to acknowledge former Executive Officer Chad Hoggard, together with our Board, staff and volunteers, who have built a strong foundation for the future of our organisation.
Dilan brings proven leadership, extensive sporting knowledge and a deep understanding of what it takes to unite and develop a multi-region association. His commitment to participation, pathway development and long-term sustainability makes him an outstanding fit for Bay of Plenty Hockey.
We are excited to work alongside Dilan as we continue building a strong, connected hockey community across the Bay of Plenty."
Dilan Raj said:
"I am honoured to be joining Bay of Plenty Hockey at such an exciting time in its journey.
I look forward to listening, learning and building relationships with our Life Members, clubs, schools, players, volunteers, officials, partners and wider community. Bay of Plenty Hockey already has a passionate and dedicated foundation, and I am excited to build on the excellent work of Chad Hoggard and the wider team.
I am particularly looking forward to spending time throughout Rotorua, Taupō and Whakatāne, meeting the people who make hockey in our region so special.
My vision is to help create a strong leading organisation that is deeply connected to its communities, provides clear and inspiring pathways for every aspiring player, coach, official and volunteer, and creates meaningful opportunities for our partners and supporters to be part of our journey.
Together, I believe we can build on our strengths and continue developing a thriving hockey community across the Bay of Plenty. #OneBay"
Dilan officially commences his role on the 7th of September 2026 and will be introduced to the wider hockey community over the coming weeks. Bay of Plenty Hockey looks forward to welcoming him to the region and to the next chapter of growth for the sport across the Bay of Plenty.