The BLACKCAPS had the honour of Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick presenting the Test caps ahead of the second Test v Sri Lanka at the Basin.
"I was really grateful they asked me to do a little talk with the BLACKCAPS, but I was surprised they invited a Scotsman," said Merrick.
"Scottish cricket's in a bad way - we've got horrendous injuries, predominantly hypothermia and frostbite. And ever since they stopped us putting our pint mugs down as markers in the field, it's not been a popular game."
Merck spoke briefly about his coaching philosophies, and told the players to enjoy their time as professional sportsmen, as sporting careers are precious because they're so short - and that putting in the work gets the rewards.
BLACKCAPS TV caught up with Ernie after the capping ceremony: