Canterbury Basketball’s major award recipients from the 2026 season were announced during our Saturday Club Finals – here’s a brief rundown of what each winner has been recognised for
2026 Services to Basketball: Sharon and Nigel Erwood
Sharon has been a past recipient for this award already, but since that time she has encouraged her husband, Nigel, to also become involved in the world of Basketball Statistics.
Every Saturday of the CBA Winter Club Season, people can see Sharon and Nigel giving of their time to “Live Stat” selected Club games. In addition to this regular occurrence, the Erwoods often will head out on weeknights to do the same for any deferred games in the Men’s Premier League.
It’s not just club basketball where they do this though, Sharon and Nigel have given of their time for: BBNZ age-group tournaments; FIBA International games; as well as both of them being Statisticians for the Canterbury Rams’, and Mainland Pouākai’s, home games.
Sharon is always willing to try and teach newcomers the process of recording “Live Stats”, and routinely offers development sessions for those interested, so as to allow more games and grades to be covered.
The CBA is very proud to present Sharon and Nigel Erwood with the 2026 Services to Basketball award in recognition of their dedication to the sport here.
2026 Administrator of the Year: Tracey Buchanan
Tracey has been involved with basketball in Canterbury for over a decade, and recently became the main point of contact for the CBA at Christchurch Boys’ High School.
She has been extremely easy for us to work with in this role, responding quickly to any queries from our office, and pro-actively seeking out advice, or instructions, on how things should be done from an administrative perspective.
Christchurch Boys’ High has recently re-emphasised their commitment to basketball, with their home gym receiving some significant upgrades. CBHS can expect to see an increase in student interest in our sport, of which we have no doubt that Tracey will be able to help encourage. Tracey has also supported the boys gaining their BBNZ Referee Level One, and has excellent communication with us when organising them to referee appointed games.
Tracey, the work you do to help basketball run smoothly for all of the CBHS members, is why we are presenting you with our 2026 “Administrator of the Year” Award.
2026 Club of the Year: Checkers Basketball Club
Founded in 1969, the Checkers Basketball Club is one of Canterbury’s oldest and most respected basketball clubs built on a strong tradition of excellence in local, and New Zealand basketball. 2026 has been a great year for Checkers across all levels and areas of Basketball.
The Checkers Club has consistently grown, expanding the number of Men’s 23U and 20U teams they enter, and recently adding Boys’ 13U teams to the list of grades they have an entry in. In 2026 Checkers entered 19 teams across a wide range of the CBA’s Winter Club grades, along with their affiliated schools entering another 26. From grassroots competition to elite representative basketball, Checkers has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract, develop and inspire talented players.
Checkers alumni include a significant number of Canterbury representatives, New Zealand representatives, and players who have gone on to compete in the NBL, WBC or Tauihi League. Many have proudly worn the colours of the Canterbury Rams, or the Canterbury Wildcats/Pouākai, as well as other national league clubs throughout the country.
Checkers pride themselves on the calibre of their coaching staff – experienced mentors dedicated to advancing athletes to the highest levels of the game.
The Checkers Basketball Club, led by President Kelvin Fisher, are a deserving selection for our 2026 “Club of the Year” Award.
Note – the 2026 Coach of the Year Award will be presented at a later date, once the full 2026 basketball season can be included, and will also incorporate the results gained after the 2025 award was presented.
