Auckland Basketball Services (ABSL), together with the basketball associations that ABSL represents – Basketball Auckland, Counties Manukau Basketball and Waitakere West Auckland Basketball – are pleased to announce key leadership changes as part of a strategy to build strong, effective community basketball in Auckland.
Rob Wakelin will take over the role of Chief Executive from Ivan Harre who had been occupying the position on a trasitional basis. Harre will continue to support ABSL, advising on organisational changes and implementing delivery changes for basketball in Auckland.
The incoming leader comes to basketball after a career that has seen him working in a wide range of community sport and recreation organisations including Piha Surf Life Saving Club, Rugby League Northland, Te Araroa – New Zealand’s Trail, Cricket Scotland and Kelly Sports.
Wakelin says he’s looking forward to stepping into a somewhat unfamiliar environment.
“Basketball has some unique opportunities in Auckland, so I’m excited to accept this role. I can’t wait to support the enthusiastic basketball community and our talented diverse staff in delivering quality sporting experiences and accelerate the great work ABSL has done to date.”
Accompanying the new Chief Executive as a relatively-new face to the ABSL team is Community Basketball Manager, Barry Rhodes.
Rhodes was appointed to the newly-created role late last year (30 November) and leads the Community Team in building basketball participation through clubs and schools.
He too had a lengthy spell in community sport before starting his new job, having worked at Auckland Rugby, CLM Community Sport and Counties Manukau Cricket.
