Auckland Cricket has announced the appointment of former WHITE FERN and retired domestic allrounder Anna Peterson as the organisation’s new Female Pathway Manager.
Peterson will officially join Auckland's Performance and Talent team from 10 November after the creation of the role, supported by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), as a significant investment in the future of women’s cricket in Auckland.
With strong talent emerging from clubs and schools across the region, the role will strengthen a sustainable pathway that supports female cricketers at every stage of their journey.
Auckland Cricket CEO Ian Francis said the appointment represents an exciting step forward for the women’s game in the region.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Anna back to Auckland Cricket,” said Francis.
“Creating this role shows our commitment to ensuring every talented female cricketer in Auckland has the support and opportunity to reach their potential.
"Anna’s expertise and passion make her the perfect person to lead this work and inspire the next generation of Auckland and New Zealand cricketers.”
PHOTOSPORT
As a former WHITE FERN, Northern Districts and Auckland Hearts player, Peterson packs exceptional experience in the game, with an inside view of women’s sport development.
She played 32 ODIs and 22 T20 Internationals for New Zealand - and took a hat-trick against Australia. On the Domestic scene, her career spanned from the 2007/08 season to her retirement in March 2022.
Currently she works as a Game Development Officer at Auckland Rugby Union where she leads their Women and Girls Strategy - and designing programmes linking community and high performance sport.
Her role in New Zealand Rugby has focused on developing a national women’s coach development framework, further showcasing her expertise in pathway design and leadership development.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had within rugby over the last several years,” said Peterson, “[but] coming back to cricket feels like I’m coming home. I’m excited about the chance to make a positive impact in the game that has given me so much.”
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Development, Liz Green - herself a former Blaze and Hinds player and a WHITE FERN, said the partnership with Auckland Cricket to establish this role marks an important milestone for women’s cricket nationally.
“Auckland is a strategically important region for NZC, and this partnership with Auckland Cricket to establish the Female Pathway Manager role is an important milestone,” she said.
“A thriving pathway that identifies, develops and transitions players through to central programmes is key to sustainable success, and we’re excited to have Anna returning to the game in such an influential role.
"Her background as a player, combined with her recent experience in rugby, will bring a unique perspective and real depth of understanding to Auckland’s pathway.”
