New Zealand Cricket has returned a $2.2m surplus for the financial year, turning around a forecasted $6.8m deficit.
Board chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said the organisation was in sound financial order, with reserves at a record $37m, supported by strong broadcasting agreements, high-value playing programmes, and a solid commercial base.
The pleasing 2025 result followed an $8m surplus in 2024.
“NZC’s financial position is a strong one,” said Ms Puketapu-Lyndon.
“A small net surplus represents a significant outperformance against budget, reflecting prudent management and disciplined oversight – through what was a challenging operating environment.
“The position underlines the organisation’s stability and resilience and should provide confidence in its ability to continue investing in the game’s long-term growth and sustainability”.
Ms Puketapu-Lyndon acknowledged the role of its members in contributing to a cricket ecosystem well-placed to adjust and adapt to future needs.
“Cricket here has never been a one-size-fits-all affair and NZC places great value in the ability of our Major and District Associations, and clubs to understand what works best in their regions and catchments.
“We're committed to working closely with them to ensure they're well equipped to service the grassroots environment upon which our entire game is based.”
Former New Zealand Test player, coach and selector Mark Greatbatch has been elected President of New Zealand Cricket.
Greatbatch, who played 41 Tests and 84 One Day Internationals for his country between 1988 and 1996, replaces Lesley Murdoch, who completed her three-year term.
“I want to convey my enormous gratitude to Lesley for her professionalism as the NZC President over the past three years, and for her great support for the game as well as the organisation,” said Puketapu-Lyndon.
“I also want to welcome and congratulate Mark as our new President and wish him well in the role.
“We are fortunate in New Zealand cricket to have such strong figures wanting to contribute and give back to the game.”
On the Board, Sarah Beaman rotated off at the end of her three-year term and opted against re-standing. Kevin Malloy rotated off and was re-elected for a third term.
“My thanks also, to Sarah, who decided against standing for re-election, and whose contribution and insights have been invaluable to the Board over her term,” said Puketapu-Lyndon.
The meeting elected three Life Members: former Test players Rebecca Rolls, Martin Snedden, and Ewen Chatfield.
Bios:
President: Mark Greatbatch was a left-handed batsman who represented New Zealand in Tests and ODIs from 1988 to 1996. A solid performer at Test level, he scored a debut century against England in 1987-88 and an unbeaten 146 in eleven hours at Perth in 1989-90 to deny Australia victory. In limited-overs cricket, he pioneered the pinch-hitter role, highlighted by successive ODI centuries on the 1990 England tour and 313 runs at 44.71 average during New Zealand's 1992 World Cup semi-final run. A sharp slips fielder with several standout catches, Greatbatch honed his skills in New Zealand and English leagues before retiring in 1998. Post-retirement, he served as Central Districts' coaching director and head coach, as an advisor to New Zealand's national selection panel and, following the departure of Andy Moles, the BLACKCAPS head coach FROM 2008 to 2010.
Life Member: Rebecca Rolls, a tall, dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, was an outstanding talent in one-day cricket for the White Ferns. Debuting in 1997, the powerful opener became the third New Zealand woman after Debbie Hockley and Emily Drumm to play 100 ODIs, missing just one series. Her ODI haul of 2201 runs at 25.01 ranks her third on New Zealand's all-time list, complemented by a then-world record 133 dismissals (89 catches, 44 stumpings). Rolls was the first keeper to reach 100 dismissals in women's limited-overs cricket. In her sole Test, she scored 71 runs at 71.00 with a catch; in two T20Is, 80 runs at 40.00 plus two catches and a stumping. Rolls retired in March 2007 after featuring in three World Cups, including New Zealand's dramatic four-run triumph over Australia at Lincoln in the 2000 final, sealing it with a crucial last-over catch. Her batting highlights included a maiden ODI century (114 off 120 balls, with 14 fours and a six) in the 2001-02 Rose Bowl against Australia; 305 runs at 38.13 on the 2002 tour of England, Ireland, and the Netherlands; and a second ton plus a half-century in the 2004 Quadrangular Series in Chennai. Beyond cricket, Rolls represented New Zealand in football at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. In governance, she served as NZC Board Director from 2020 to 2023 and, since 2024, as CEO of the NZ Sport Integrity Commission.
Life Member: Martin Snedden was renowned for his accurate seam bowling and gritty late-order batting. In a Test career spanning 25 matches, he claimed 58 wickets, highlighted by figures of five for 68 in New Zealand's win against the West Indies at Christchurch in 1987. In 93 ODIs, he took 114 wickets at 28.39. A qualified lawyer and avid rugby enthusiast, Snedden transitioned seamlessly into cricket administration. He served as NZC CEO from 2001 to 2007, earning praise as an effective and popular leader. He later chaired NZC from 2020 to 2023, sat on its board (1990-1992, 1999-2001, 2013-2024), and represented it on the ICC Board (2013-2014, 2020-2023) and Chief Executives' Committee (2002-2007). In 2007, Snedden stepped down as CEO to helm the 2011 Rugby World Cup as chief executive until 2011, cementing his legacy across sport's corridors of power.
Life Member: Ewen Chatfield was a seamer renowned for his unyielding economy and stamina, often toiling into the wind while Sir Richard Hadlee dominated from the other end. In 43 Tests, he claimed 123 wickets at 32.17, and across 114 ODIs, he snared 140 at an economical 25.84, forming the backbone of the New Zealand' attack. Chatfield's standout performances included a five-wicket bag at Leeds in 1983, pivotal in New Zealand's historic first Test victory on English soil, and a match-haul of 10 wickets in the rain-affected draw against West Indies at Port of Spain in 1985. Chatfield's Test debut against England at Eden Park in 1974-75 is remembered for the moment, when batting at No.11, he deflected a Peter Lever bouncer onto his temple and was rushed to hospital, regaining consciousness only after emergency medical assistance. That grit extended off the field: Chatfield played 51 unbroken seasons of club cricket for Wellington, only hanging up his boots in 2018 at age 68. The following year, he received the prestigious Bert Sutcliffe Medal for his lifetime devotion to the game.
