Elise Craig of Cornwall Cricket Club, Auckland, has been announced as the recipient of the Sir Jack Newman Award – New Zealand Cricket’s premier community cricket award.
A driving force in girls’ cricket at the club for over 10 years – Elise's passion and dedication have significantly contributed to junior girls' cricket at Cornwall.
In total, eight community cricket award winners have been announced, all of whom were celebrated at recent BLACKCAPS & WHITE FERNS International matches.
New Zealand Cricket would like to thank all award winners for their outstanding contributions to our game.
Sir Jack Newman Award - Elise Craig, Cornwall Cricket Club
Initially starting her cricketing journey as a parent, Elise Craig has progressed to overseeing the entire junior girls’ programme at Cornwall Cricket Club.
Over the past 10 years, Elise has become a catalyst for the growth and sustainability of junior girls’ cricket at the club.
Elise’s dedication is unparalleled - organising muster days, driving registrations, creating and managing teams, sourcing and coordinating coaching staff, and generally being a helpful, friendly face around the club.
Elise also coordinates a women and girls training night at Melville Park, providing junior girls with senior role models and fostering a positive social atmosphere.
Elise’s efforts ensure that every girl has a place to play and develop their skills at Cornwall Cricket Club.
Dulux Outstanding Contribution and Services to Coaching Award – Darron Stackhouse, North West Cricket Club & Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club
Over the past 13-15 years, Darron Stackhouse has dedicated himself to coaching cricket, starting with his children's teams and progressing to lead both youth and women's teams at North West Cricket Club.
Darron's impact on his players is profound. He fosters a positive and enjoyable team atmosphere, encourages continuous improvement, and always puts his players' best interests first.
Darron’s commitment to the sport is evident through his tireless efforts, whether that be the preparation and motivation of his teams, or the organisation of international trips for teams.
Darron is a mentor and friend to many. His enthusiasm for the game and genuine care for his players have left an impression on everyone he has worked with. Whether it is staying up late to plan training sessions or being the first to volunteer for extra coaching, Darron's passion and dedication is inspiring.
Community Cricket Official of the Year – Moth Sutherland-Tupp, Auckland Cricket Association
Moth has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Umpiring in Auckland, particularly in supporting women's cricket.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Moth umpired over 40 games while balancing a full-time job, showing dedication and professionalism each time she takes the field.
Moth has been instrumental in training and supporting new female umpires, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
Her connection with the cricket community is sincere, and her passion for the game is evident in her interactions with players and colleagues.
Moth’s contributions to cricket are highly valued, and we look forward to her continued success.
Outstanding Volunteer Award – Connor Lusty, Johnsonville Cricket Club, Wellington
Since his junior years, Connor Lusty has shown unwavering loyalty and commitment to Johnsonville Cricket Club in Wellington.
Despite his young age, his leadership, knowledge, and passion have elevated him to the role of club convenor for both junior and women and girls' cricket.
Connor's involvement spans every level of the club. He serves on both the junior and senior committees, plays as a member of the premier men's team, and is the clubs junior coach developer.
His passion for junior cricket is particularly evident as he encourages kids to play, helps them develop and realise their full potential.
Connor's impact extends beyond coaching and administration. He plays a vital role in maintaining the club's proud history while driving new opportunities for future generations.
His deep passion for the game ensures that all children and families have an enjoyable and positive experience at Johnsonville Cricket Club.
Outstanding Women and Girls Initiative Award – City Suburbs Girls’ and Women’s Cricket Community, Wellington
The City Suburbs Community Hub, formed by Karori, Brooklyn, Easts, and University Cricket Clubs, has established a comprehensive pathway for girls and women in cricket.
By pooling resources and talent, City Suburbs have been able to support players from Year 2 through to high-performance levels, fostering enduring friendships and a powerful sense of community.
The Hub's achievements include forming nine female teams, regular training sessions with dedicated coaches, and Social Sixes evenings to encourage participation.
The initiative has significantly increased playing numbers, with approximately 110 players currently attached to the club.
City Suburbs have big plans for the future – including; growing participation, increasing their support to coaches, finding sustainable funding to employ a part-time community lead, and to work closely with schools.
The principles of whānaungatanga (relationships matter) and manaakitanga (generosity and support) are at the heart of the City Suburbs’ operations, helping them to create a positive and sustainable environment for female cricketers to thrive.
Club of the Year Award – Marist Suburbs Cricket Club, Hamilton
Club of the Year, Marist Suburbs Cricket Club, have made outstanding strides in Hamilton - showing a commitment to player development, community engagement, and club spirit.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, MSCC have demonstrated remarkable growth, fielding teams in every senior grade within the Hamilton Cricket’s competitions.
Their junior development programme has flourished, ensuring cricket remains accessible to young players.
The club promotes inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for all. Their women’s programme has expanded, and they work closely with local schools to introduce cricket to children. The club's dedication to recognizing and supporting volunteers has fostered a strong community spirit.
Their merger with Otorohunga Cricket Club has strengthened both their on-field performance, club culture and their ability to positively impact the local community.
Strong governance, proactive financial management, and inclusive leadership have been instrumental to their success.
Leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Cricket
Cricket Wellington identified a significant gap in Māori representation and engagement.
In response, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Cricket has taken significant steps to address this, including the formation of five Māori cricket teams, collaboration with local Iwi, and the establishment of a Māori Cricket Advisory Group.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the increased participation and cultural empowerment among Māori players.
The initiative has provided national and local playing experiences, fostered a sense of pride and connection to cultural heritage, and developed positive role models for young Māori players.
Looking ahead, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Māori Cricket aim to develop a comprehensive Māori cricket programme, build sponsorship partnerships, engage with kura kaupapa, and continuously monitor and adapt their strategies to ensure sustainability.
Community Cricket Collaboration Initiative of the Year Award – Otago Cricket Association and Otago Hockey Association
Otago Cricket and Otago Hockey have developed an outstanding partnership and innovative approach to resource sharing over the past three seasons.
Starting with the shared employment of a staff member, this collaboration has expanded to include North Otago Hockey, with plans to extend further.
Through sharing office spaces and resources, both associations have strengthened their operations and maximised their impact.
The partnership has led to significant benefits, including the expansion of the Fern Fever project, engaging around 700 Year 5-8 girls, and a 300% increase in holiday program attendance.
This inclusive approach has allowed both sports to provide quality experiences for young athletes in Otago.
