Justin Toebes † (2018) | Contributor

Justin Toebes began as a player in the former Central League and Wellington Basketball Association, and was first elected on to the Wellington Basketball Association Executive in 1994. In 1995 Toebes was elected to President, a position he held for 10 years. During that time he helped stabilised the Association during a period of potential insolvency.

Toebes continued to serve on the Wellington Basketball Association Executive Committee from 2005 through until 2012. Justin was a key influencer in the formation of the Capital Zone Basketball Trust. In his role with the Trust, Toebes focused on providing young players in the Capital region with opportunities to get involved in basketball. His generosity has extended as far as assisting players who have made national team and supporting them financially. He has made similar contributions to players who have secured scholarships overseas.

In 2002 Toebes joined the Board of Basketball New Zealand and served as Vice President from 2003 until 2006. He drafted a new constitution for the organisation and successfully campaigned for the return of the NBL as part of Basketball New Zealand. Toebes became a member of the NBL Board and was a player representative for five years.

Toebes also served as Basketball New Zealand’s representative on the FIBA Oceania Board.

For over 30 years, Toebes has been a tremendous supporter of the Wellington Saints. He has served as the Treasurer and the Chairman, and is still an active board member.

He is a Life Member of both New Zealand Basketball and Wellington Basketball. He was also awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to basketball and is a previous winner of the Sir Lance Cross Memorial Award.