Introduced to basketball by Hawera High School PE teacher Dr Jim Hay, this year’s recipient played alongside Rodney King on a Hawera team good enough to reach the final of the Secondary Schools North Island Championship. Hawera lost to St Pat’s in the final but got a modicum of revenge by winning the Haka competition!
Rodney King, and the recipient, began volunteer refereeing in their fourth form, spending two nights a week officiating the local adult competition. When old enough for his driver’s licence King, who went on to become a leading NBL referee, would pick up the recipient in his Riley Elf as they headed off to another assignment.
The recipient continued refereeing through his tertiary years at Victoria University and then in Taumarunui as he began his 27 year career with NZ Rail. Appointed a Relief Station Master his central North Island stops included basketball hot spots Taihape, Ohakune, Martin and Waioru. Further NZ Rail appointments took the recipient to New Plymouth, Wellington and back to Taihape before a permanent move to Auckland in 1989.
Thus began an association with Harbour Basketball that continues today. He has been a Harbour Board Member, Board Chairman, Benefactor and Interim CEO.
He retired from refereeing after 55 years of officiating in 2015 – the majority of years unpaid – but still acts as a Venue Controller for High School Basketball two nights a week and also undertakes score bench duty at all the BBNZ Tournaments that Harbour host.
His citation reads:
Phil Henderson has been a remarkable supporter of Harbour Basketball for many years, during which time he has served on the Board, been chairman, acting CEO and benefactor. He is a true servant of the game and passionate Harbour Basketball supporter. All Board members look forward to Phil’s attendance and line of questioning at the Annual General Meeting!
It is with great pleasure that I invite Phil Henderson to the stage to receive the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.
