Basketball New Zealand

Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/11/basketball-nz-logo-rev-hires-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943

One of Dale Stephens’ first clear basketball memories is being flattened by Kiwi legend Stan Hill in a school trial … now he gets to run the game that left him prone on the floor of the St Andrew’s College gym in Christchurch more than 30 years ago.

These days resident in Wellington, the former policeman has resigned as chief executive of Touch NZ to take up the same role with Basketball New Zealand, starting January 2008.

“This kind of opportunity doesn’t come along that often and you can’t control the timing of it,” says Stephens.

“Basketball has been a passion for most of my life. This decision is not a reflection on touch at all, but of where my passion is.

“Touch is a sport that has been through the mill, but I’m confident it is now on the right path.”

Stephens took up the post with Touch NZ late last year when he missed out on the CEO vacancy at Basketball New Zealand. During his tenure there, he had to grapple with many of the problems that have also tested basketball.

“There is no doubt moving into this position 12 months ago would have been a greater challenge than it is now,” he says. “I’ve since learned how to work through some of the issues that afflict all sports and can now focus on the specifics of this sport.”

Basketball New Zealand has since rallied from a mid-year crisis, but still faces the ongoing challenge of funding an international sport.

I don’t think basketball’s problems have been unique,” says Stephens. “It is faced with the same uncertainties as other codes in a climate where commitments to long term funding strategies are uncertain.

“My role with basketball will be to optimize opportunities on the international scene, while continuing to drive a sustainable base around participation and development.”

During his 22-year police career, mostly as a serious crime investigator with the CIB, Stephens achieved a commissioned officer rank and fronted the weekly TV crime show “Police Five”. He still drums in the police band and has only recently resigned as president of the police basketball club.

In the business world, he has worked as a management consultant, and enjoyed success as a company principal, director and founder.

Stephens holds a basketball referee badge, having officiated at national tournament level, and has managed the NZ Police men at the Australian Championships.

“I need to learn about basketball from this side of the fence after being a participant for so long.”

BBNZ president Barbara Wheadon, who has also spent the past three months as interim CEO, is delighted with the appointment.

“Next year looms as an exciting one for Basketball New Zealand and the board is confident that with Dale on board and with continued support of the basketball community, the sport will continue to thrive in New Zealand.”