BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead’s highly successful seven years in charge of the national side will officially conclude when his contract finishes at the end of this month.
Stead, who last month confirmed he would step away as coach of the white-ball formats, was effectively ruled out of contention for the head coach role after NZC opted for one head coach across all three formats.
Widely considered New Zealand’s most successful national coach, Stead oversaw the inaugural ICC World Test Championship win in 2021, and an unprecedented three-nil Test series sweep of India on the sub-continent last year, alongside five out of six finals appearances in ICC white-ball World Cups.
The BLACKCAPS consistency was a hallmark of the Stead era, with the side rising to number one in the ICC Test and ODI rankings during his stint, as well as winning countless bi-lateral series and breaking new ground with series wins at home and abroad (full achievements list below).
Stead can also be credited with rejuvenating the team during his time in charge with the selections of stars such as Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Will O’Rourke.
The 53-year-old said it had been a privilege to lead the team.
“There’s been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans,” he said.
“Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson had left the team with strong values and a style of play, and I’ve just tried to build and shape that further to grow our ability to be consistent in everything we do.
“It’s been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I’d like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the BLACKCAPS are a team that won’t fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete.”
Stead cited the ICC World Test Championship victory and the three-nil sweep of India as highlights, alongside the way the team held themselves during and after the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
“To work alongside some of New Zealand’s best cricketers and have had a ringside seat to every training and match has been very special and an absolute honour.
“For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game.
“I am grateful to all those that have helped and supported me during my time, especially to my wife Rachel and children Alex and Libby who have sacrificed much.
“I also want to pay special thanks to NZC, and in particular all of the support staff I have worked with who are hands-on with the team and in the thick of things day-in and day-out.
“I’d like to wish the new coach well and the team every success in the future.
“I’ll initially take some time to refresh and recharge, but I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I’ve learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach.”
BLACKCAPS captain Kane Williamson saluted Stead’s immense contribution to the BLACKCAPS.
“Steady gave absolutely everything to the team,” Williamson said.
“There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the BLACKCAPS grow and succeed.
“He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke.”
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised Stead’s transformative impact.
“Gary’s been an exceptional leader for the BLACKCAPS, elevating the team to the pinnacle of world cricket with remarkable consistency and courage,” said Weenink.
“His achievements, from the World Test Championship triumph to historic series wins abroad, have inspired the country and set a new benchmark for excellence in the New Zealand game.
“On behalf of NZC, I want to extend Gary our deepest gratitude for his dedication and commitment and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Stead’s final few weeks in charge will see him at the BLACKCAPS winter camps helping players prepare for July’s tour to Zimbabwe.
BLACKCAPS achievements during Stead’s tenure, 2018 – 2025
Overall: Played: 268 | Won: 147 | Lost: 100 | Draw: 6 | Tied: 6 | NR: 9
Test: Played: 52 | Won: 27 | Lost: 19 | Draw: 6
ODI: Played: 97 | Won: 56 | Lost: 35 | Tied: 1 | NR: 5
T20I: Played: 119 | Won: 64 | Lost: 46 | Tied: 5 | NR: 4
2018 - First NZ Test series victory away to Pakistan since 1969
2019 - Runner-up on boundary countback in 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales
2021 - Inaugural ICC World Test Championship winners
2021 - Runner-up in ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE
2022 - First NZ white-ball series victories in West Indies
2022 - Semi-finalists in ICC T20 World Cup in Australia
2023 - Semi-finalists in ICC Cricket World Cup in India
2024 - First NZ Test series victory over South Africa
2025 - First team to clean-sweep India 3-0 in a Test series at home
2025 - Runner-up in ICC Champions Trophy
ICC #1 ranked Test and ODI team
