Some of the biggest names in New Zealand cricket were elected life members of NZC at its annual general meeting in Wellington today.
The 12-strong intake comprises former players from both the New Zealand men’s and women’s Test teams, from Glenn Turner, who made his debut in the 1968-69 summer, to Brendon McCullum – who played his first Test in 2003-04.
It also includes former WHITE FERNS captains Debbie Hockley, Lesley Murdoch and Emily Drumm – the latter of whom led her New Zealand team to ICC Women’s World Cup triumph in 2000.
Geoff Howarth, Jeremy Coney, Daniel Vettori, Ian Smith, Stephen Boock, John Wright and Stephen Fleming complete the list.
NZC chairman Greg Barclay said the time elapsed since the previous election of life-members meant a larger-than-usual intake this year – but that future nominations would be considered on an annual basis.
“All these new life members have made quite remarkable contributions to the game in New Zealand and it’s entirely appropriate that they’re recognised in this fashion,” said Mr Barclay.
“It’s important we celebrate the men and women who have played such key roles in putting New Zealand cricket on the map.”
The annual meeting heard that NZC returned a net loss of $3.5m for the period under review, a significant improvement on the budgeted loss of $10.7m, and the previous year’s loss of $9.3m.
Mr Barclay said the better-than-forecasted loss was a result of a combination of revenue growth and cost-saving initiatives and warned that the variable (rather than smooth) distribution of ICC funding would continue to create challenges in the short-term.
“The way in which the ICC distributions are calculated means we don’t receive them in uniform amounts but rather in unequal instalments, depending on the timing of ICC world events.
“While this does cause complications, NZC is confident in its financial outlook and the board is committed to the ongoing funding of strategic initiatives.”
Three current directors – Martin Snedden, Don Mackinnon and Geoff Allott, were required to retire by rotation, stood for re-appointment, and were re-elected to the board.
NZC's 2017-2018 annual report is available here.
