Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is pleased to welcome Toko Kapea as an appointed board member, replacing Michael Zino who departed last October following a five-year stint on the Board.
Toko descends from the Taranaki, Whanganui and Rangitikei regions and affiliates with Ngāti Apa ki Rangitikei, Taranaki Whanui (Taranaki, Wellington, Te Tau Ihu), Te Atihaunui-a-Papārangi and Ngāpuhi.
He is currently a director of Tuia Group and a partner of Tuia Legal Limited, a Wellington-based commercial law and business consulting firm that works primarily in the Māori economic development space, and is also a director on the board of TVNZ Ltd and the Chair of Duke Exploration Ltd.
Toko has also enjoyed a long career in the banking and energy sectors in Aotearoa, having also held key governance roles on the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA), Paraninihi ki Waitotara (PKW) and Ngāti Apa Developments Ltd.
Toko says that basketball has helped to shape the person he is today, and it continues to play a massive part in his family’s lives.
“Basketball kept me at school and then university and has formed who I am; I had some great experiences in the teams I was involved with and overall I wouldn’t be where I am now without basketball,” says Toko.
“So I understand the positive role that participation in a team sport like basketball can have on children, young adults and communities. My children and I continue to be involved with the sport; my oldest son is a coach for a high school team senior boys at Hutt Valley High School and I was the assistant coach last year.
“My youngest son is playing junior college basketball in Bakersfield College, California, while my youngest daughter has been around basketball all her life – we still love playing “horse” together in the driveway.
“I’ve also been involved as a school coach /manager for the last 12 years in various capacities, and have helped different community groups with training programs, sponsorship and in-kind support to a number of basketball programmes as needed.”
BBNZ Board Chair, Rob Gold says that Kapea will be a valuable addition to the Board, with its focus on setting the direction of basketball in Aotearoa.
“I’m excited to have Toko on board; he will add value to the Board with his skills and experience as the sport of basketball continues to grow in New Zealand,” says Rob.
“And as someone who has been involved with basketball at a grassroots level for many years, Toko understands the opportunities – and challenges – with the sport of basketball in Aotearoa.
“His governance experience and his place in Te Ao Māori will help not only the BBNZ Board, but all of the people that our organisation services and supports – from the athletes and coaches to our officials and administrators who help make basketball happen.”
Find out more about the BBNZ Board at nz.basketball/about-us/board-members/
