North Harbour Basketball stalwart Jeff Olsen was recognised for his service to the  basketball community at the Basketball New Zealand Annual Awards Dinner in Wellington last Friday.  

Jeff was presented with the Long Service Award in recognition of his remarkable 50 years’ service to Harbour Basketball.

He was one of the founding members of Harbour Basketball upon its incorporation in 1972 although his involvement on the board controlling North Shore basketball dates back to 1967.

Jeff began playing basketball at Westlake Boys in the 1960’s and went on to represent North Harbour before turning his attention to coaching.

A past president of the NZ Basketball Coaches Association he guided the Harbour U20 Men’s team to the national title in 1974 – North Harbour’s first National Championship.

Jeff was a member of the Harbour referees panel in the 70’s and 80’s but it was as an administrator that he would really make his mark.

He has served as president, secretary, and treasurer during his extensive time on the Harbour Board and helped draft the new constitution in 1998.

In addition he served on the BBNZ board (1978-1991) and the North Shore Events Centre board  (1992-2018).

His contributions to the game have been recognised previously;

He is a Life Member of Harbour Basketball

In 1993 he was recognised by North Harbour Sport for his services to Harbour basketball

In 1999 he received the Sir Lance Cross Award for services to basketball.

In 2014 he became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Public Service and Sport. 

“His wealth of knowledge and dedication to Harbour Basketball has been invaluable and he is a worthy recipient of this award,” said Harbour Basketball CEO John Hunt.

All at Harbour Basketball echo John’s sentiments.