DIXON AND HOETA STEP INTO CLUB PRESIDENT ROLES
Grassroots rugby league would cease to function without the tireless efforts of female volunteers and administrators, and the girls and women’s game is growing exponentially.
Meanwhile, the increasing influence of wahine in leadership roles in the Canterbury Rugby League community is reflected by two recent club president appointments: Lydia Dixon (Northern Bulldogs) and Rebekah Hoeta (Linwood Keas).
Dixon and Hoeta followed similar paths at their respective clubs, joining when their kids first pulled on the boots – then becoming invaluable, long-serving volunteers.
“My oldest, he was only three when he started at the Bulldogs – that was about 16 years ago,” Dixon explains.
“I actually grew up on the other side of the river at the rugby club – I think my dad just about had a heart attack! But my oldest, his dad had played at the Bulldogs when he was a kid.
“We started them off there and it was just such an awesome club to be a part of. My other two boys started playing as well and I joined the committee about 10 years ago.”
Dixon has served as Northern’s club captain for the past five years (a role that has now been assumed by her brother, Bulldogs presidents grade player Sam Dixon), looking after players and acting as a go-between for players, parents and the committee.
She takes over as Bulldogs president from Jason Pond, Canterbury Rugby League’s President of the Year in 2024.
“I just loved being club captain so much, I thought I’d be [in that role] until I left. But with Jason leaving, we needed someone to step up and I thought, ‘Wow, maybe that’s me’,” Dixon says.
“They’re very big shoes to fill there, Jason’s been an awesome president and member of the club – we’re very sad to lose him.”
The Bulldogs are in a rebuild phase after last featuring in the CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership in 2023.
But the arrival of two-time premiership-winning coach Jed Lawrie, who took a season off after leading Hornby to an emotional title victory in 2024, heralds a new era at Kaiapoi’s Murphy Park.
“We’re very excited and we’re quite honoured and lucky that Jed has come to us and decided to help us rebuild,” Dixon enthuses.
“Hopefully we can get the two teams going next year and be in the premiers and reserves.
“[The Bulldogs’ aim] is to keep growing our juniors and our youth, and filtering that into the seniors – and just keep it being a great club and somewhere that people want to come and be a part of.”
Hoeta’s rugby league journey began as an Addington Magpies junior, but her heart firmly found its home with Linwood Keas when her son Jaydyn laced up for the club, followed by daughter Briana and youngest son Dayvien. Since then, she has given countless hours to our game— volunteering across the club and managing several Canterbury age-group teams with dedication and pride.
In 2025, Linwood embraced a shared-leadership model after Andrew Auimatagi stepped down from the presidency to lead the Keas’ premier men’s team once again. Taking on the role, Hoeta humbly described the transition as “needs must”, but remains committed to a collaborative, community-driven approach that reflects the true spirit of the Keas whānau.
“And what a moment in time for our club,” Hoeta exclaims.
“Linwood heads into 2026 with incredible momentum: This season our CRL Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Men’s Premiership side stormed to the Massetti Cup and reclaimed the Pat Smith Trophy in a dominant grand final display; and our CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership team and CRL ISC Sports Canterbury Cup outfit both topped their competitions, with the women only narrowly missing out in a thrilling grand final.
“Off the field, the progress is just as exciting.”
Brand-new changing rooms and toilet facilities have opened at Linwood Park, marking a major milestone for a growing community. The long-awaited clubrooms are also well underway – a project that will strengthen the heart of the club for generations to come.
“Our focus is on growing our club and holding onto the players we have,” Hoeta says.
“A strong home base keeps our community connected and that’s what we’re building toward.”
Supporting the growth of girls and women’s rugby league remains another key priority, alongside ongoing development of Linwood Park. New lights – enabling night games and expanding opportunities for youth players – are currently awaiting final council approval.
“We’ve done everything we can, and we’re hopeful of having them up for next season,” Hoeta adds.
With strong leadership, community passion, and massive progress both on and off the field, Linwood Keas are soaring into 2026 with trademark pride, purpose and belief in a bright future.
