ACG Tauranga is proud to celebrate a significant milestone in the growth of its hockey programme, with two of its leading coaches selected to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Hockey New Zealand has appointed ACG Tauranga 1st XI coaches Abby Furmage and Gene Coates-Reid as Head Coaches for the 2026 World Masters Hockey (WMH) World Cup. Abby will lead the New Zealand Women’s 45 Team at the tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands (22 July – 1 August 2026), while Gene will head the New Zealand Men’s 60 Team competing across Brasschaat and Breda, Belgium (6–16 August 2026).
This dual appointment is a powerful endorsement of the calibre of coaching at ACG Tauranga and highlights the school’s rapid emergence as a leading destination for hockey-focused students.
Coaching Excellence at an International Standard
Both Abby and Gene were selected following a highly competitive and well-supported Expression of Interest process, confirming that ACG Tauranga’s coaching staff meet national and international performance standards.
Abby Furmage brings outstanding high-performance experience to the programme. A regional representative player over several years, most recently a Manawatū representative with five seasons at the National Hockey Championships - including a silver medal finish in 2025. She was also selected to play in the Premier Hockey League (PHL) for the Mavericks last season. Abby’s expertise, combined with her drive to elevate performance, is already having a tangible impact on ACG Tauranga’s hockey pathway.
Gene Coates-Reid adds decades of experience across local, regional, national, and international levels. A long-standing representative player and coach, Gene has been involved with a wide range of high-performance programmes, throughout Auckland, Northland and Central Districts, as well as Tauranga and New Zealand Masters teams. Gene plays a key role in developing players from grassroots through to high-performance levels. His depth of knowledge and leadership are instrumental in building a strong, connected, and sustainable hockey culture within ACG Tauranga.
Building a High-Performance Hockey Pathway
Under Abby and Gene’s leadership, ACG Tauranga’s hockey programme is entering an exciting new phase. The girls 1st XI team, coached by Abby, will enter the Secondary Premier League & Midland Competition, after winning Championship 1 Division in 2025 - marking a significant step forward and a first for the school.
These developments build on recent success, including strong performances by the Year 7 and 8 hockey team, coached by Gene, who won Silver at the 2025 Zespri AIMS Games, and reflect a clear commitment to developing a long-term, high-performance hockey pathway from junior to senior levels.
A Hockey School of Choice
The international recognition of ACG Tauranga’s coaching team strengthens the school’s sporting credibility and reinforces its position as a hockey school of choice in the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
For prospective families, this achievement provides clear assurance that students at ACG Tauranga are coached by individuals operating at the highest levels of the sport. For current students, it offers inspiration and access to elite-level coaching within a supportive, school-based environment.
As ACG Tauranga continues to invest in its hockey programme, the focus remains on delivering excellence - developing skilled athletes, fostering a love of the game, and creating opportunities for students to succeed both on and off the field.
With world-class coaches at the helm and a rapidly growing programme, ACG Tauranga is firmly establishing itself as a premier destination for aspiring hockey players.
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