Kaiapoi North School teacher Hamish Dale has made New Zealand basketball history after becoming the country’s first 3×3 referee to officiate at a Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old capped the milestone achievement by refereeing the women’s gold medal match between Australia and Uganda at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Dale was also the youngest 3×3 referee selected for the Games.

He told chrislynchmedia.com that being appointed to the gold medal match was a special honour and an incredible opportunity.

“Every game at the Commonwealth Games meant something to the teams involved, but the medal matches carried even greater significance for athletes who had worked for years to perform on that stage,” Dale said.

“For every game I officiated, I simply had to trust my preparation, my abilities and my co-official on the court, and focus on doing the best job I could to serve the game.”

His appointment to the final was celebrated throughout the North Canterbury basketball community, where Dale has spent years supporting players, officials and developing referees.

North Canterbury Basketball described Dale as a committee member and long-time mentor who had made an important contribution to its refereeing programme.

“Hamish has already been doing amazing work around the world on the 3×3 international stage, representing Aotearoa, and this achievement is yet another standout milestone in his refereeing journey,” the association said on Facebook.

“Not to mention, he refereed the women’s final, a massive achievement in itself.”

Basketball New Zealand said Dale had made history as the first New Zealand 3×3 referee to officiate at the Commonwealth Games.

“An incredible achievement and a well-deserved reward for years of hard work,” it said on social media.

The achievement was also celebrated closer to home by the Kaiapoi North School basketball community, which said Dale had been influential in the development of many young referees across Canterbury.

“On the biggest of stages, we are so proud of you Mr Dale,” KNS Basketball Coordinator Megan Gilmore wrote on the school’s Facebook page.

“You have been influential to many young referees across Canterbury, and we are so pleased that you have got to travel around the world on various occasions, doing what you are so good at.”

Gilmore said Dale’s contribution extended beyond the classroom and into the school’s basketball programme.

“Kaiapoi North are very lucky to have you as a part of their kura and their basketball programme, and we are cheering you on from back home.”

Dale, who teaches Years 5-6, responded to the messages of support from Glasgow by thanking those who had helped him throughout his refereeing journey.

“I really appreciate all of your kind comments and messages,” he said.

“It’s a huge privilege to have this opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who’s helped and supported me along the way to get here.”

Following the women’s final, the school again congratulated Dale on his achievement.

“Well done to our very own Mr Dale who refereed the women’s final this morning at the Commonwealth Games between Australia and Uganda,” Gilmore wrote.

“What a huge achievement this is and one we are very proud of. Congratulations Hamish, you are a legend.”

Dale arrived back in Christchurch at 2pm on Saturday, but there was little time to rest.

After dropping his bags at home, he headed directly to a club basketball game, where the North Canterbury Under-15 team he coaches was playing a playoff match at 4pm.

“It definitely feels a little surreal,” Dale said.

“Since getting home, I’ve had time to reflect on the incredible opportunities I had, everything I learned, and what it was like to be surrounded by some of the most talented 3×3 referees and athletes in the world.”

“I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the experience I gained at the Commonwealth Games.”

Dale’s selection followed years of refereeing at community, national and international level, including several overseas trips as part of the international 3×3 basketball circuit.

He was welcomed backed to Kaiapoi North School Monday morning to a surprise haka and waiata by the students.