Leagues Appoint New Board Chair

National Basketball Leagues Limited Appoints Iain Potter (ONZM) as Board Chair, Farewells Tracey Garland

The National Basketball Leagues Limited (NBLL) has appointed Iain Potter as its new Board Chair, following the decision of Tracey Garland to step down from the role.

The Sal’s NBL and G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi competitions acknowledge and thank Garland for her leadership and service as Chair, including her contribution to the establishment and direction of the NBLL Commission and her ongoing commitment to basketball in Aotearoa.

“Tracey has made a significant contribution to the leagues at a formative time,” said Maree Taylor, General Manager of Leagues. “We’re grateful for her leadership, her clarity, and the care she has brought to the role. Tracey’s passion for basketball in New Zealand has been evident in everything she’s done, and we thank her for the time and expertise she has given to NBLL.”

Garland said serving on the NBLL Board, and supporting basketball in New Zealand, has been an opportunity to give back to the sport.

“To serve on the first-ever NBLL Commission, and by proxy serve basketball in New Zealand, is an opportunity that gives me a chance to repay the aroha and tautoko that I received both as a Tall Fern and latterly as a coach in the inaugural Tauihi league,” Garland said.

Potter brings extensive governance and leadership experience across sport and health. He previously served as Chief Executive of Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) from 2012 to 2021, and has held a range of board and chair roles in New Zealand sport.

“Iain brings proven leadership and a deep understanding of the sporting landscape in Aotearoa,” Taylor said. “His experience in strengthening basketball nationally, alongside his governance background across sport and health, will be valuable as we continue to build sustainable, high-performing competitions.”

“I’m honoured to be appointed as NBLL Board Chair,” Potter said. “Basketball has an incredible place in communities across Aotearoa, and I look forward to working with the Board, Franchises, partners, and Basketball New Zealand to support strong competitions and sustainable growth.”

The Leagues team would also like to thank Karen Mounsey, who stepped into the role of interim NBLL Chair.

The appointment is effective immediately.

About Tracey Garland (outgoing Chair)

Tracey Garland is a former Tall Fern (1988 to 1999), a New Zealand Secondary Schools MVP (1986 and 1987), and NZ Junior Player of the Year (1990). She has also coached in the inaugural Tauihi league and played extensively, including as an imported player in the Australian State League. Professionally, Garland is a lawyer, with experience across New Zealand and international jurisdictions, including roles in Australia and the UAE.

About Iain Potter (incoming Chair)

Ian Potter was Chief Executive of Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) from 2012 to 2021, overseeing significant change and helping lead the organisation from insolvency to a sustainable and high-achieving national sporting organisation. He advocated for women basketballers and equal funding for national teams, supported basketball history through the Basketball Foundation, and drove community participation initiatives. Potter was Chief Executive of the Health Sponsorship Council from 1992 to 2012 and was a key advocate behind legislation removing tobacco industry sponsorship from sport and hospitality. He has held multiple governance roles, including Chair of Hurricanes Rugby (from 2019), is Chair of Wellington Marist St Pat’s Rugby Club and most recently has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to health and sport.