This Award is presented to an individual who has given exceptional services to basketball. Matagini Cameron has been a significant contributor to basketball in New Zealand for decades. The matriarch of the Cameron family always found time for others despite bringing up her five children – Pero, Ray, Jody, Jeannie and Zeta, who all played to a high level.
She has coached at NBL level for both North Harbour and Northland and was bestowed the Service to Women’s Basketball Award in 2016. Her coaching involvement at international level has involved a stint as assistant coach of the Tall Ferns and appointments to various New Zealand women’s teams from U16’s to U20’s.
In addition to coaching numerous age-group teams, Mata has been hugely influential at grassroots administrative level. Her achievements include being a Foundation Member of Basketball Pacific, Te Tai Tokerau Basketball, Whangarei Basketball Association and Northland Basketball.
Below are her children Pero, Ray & Jeannie accepting the award on her behalf
