The 50 year-old Manase joins the organisation after a 32-year spell in operations with the New Zealand Customs Service.

He will take up the newly-created position at Auckland Football which covers a number of areas of Auckland Football’s functions including communication technology, systems and management of the competitions team of Martin Baucutt and Kelly Bolus.

Manase, who plays club football for Albany United and who is also a current New Zealand representative in masters touch rugby, is relishing the opportunity his new role brings.

“I’m excited to make the move into sport and at Auckland Football I’m part of a passionate team who are looking to make a real difference to the game we all love,” Manase said.

Fully funded under New Zealand Football’s Whole of Football Plan, Wallbank’s part-time position within the six-person technical team will provide focus for the federation in one of the key strategic areas for the game - Girls and Women’s Development for players, coaches and referees.

The 37-year-old Wallbank, who was recently with Onehunga Mangere United AFC in player and coach development while also coaching the Cook Islands U-17 women’s side, arrives at AFF after a six-year stint with Vodafone New Zealand.

Wallbank, who is also an Auckland Football FTC coach, is thrilled by the possibilities in her new role.

“My previous club position has focussed on developing girls and women’s players and extending that focus across the federation into other areas at a time when the women’s game is in the spotlight is a really exciting prospect,” Wallbank said.

Auckland Football CEO David Parker is delighted with the additions to the team as the regional organisation moves forwards in step with the code’s national growth.

“As our game continues to expand we need to ensure we are in a position to continue to provide the highest possible level of support for our stakeholders,” Parker said.

“In Don we have secured an experienced professional who will have direct influence over our systems and processes which will allow us to further raise our service standards and Angela’s role will be to ramp up our activity in the space of girls and women’s development – a focal point of the strategic plan for the game in New Zealand.

“With funding for the new positions via the Whole of Football Plan and other sources, the addition of Don and Angela further expands the range of support for our clubs without stretching our strong financial position.”