New Zealand Cricket is delighted to announce the winners of the Community Cricket Awards for the 2025-26 season, honouring individuals, clubs, and initiatives that are making an outstanding contribution to community cricket in Aotearoa.
The Community Cricket Awards are designed to celebrate the passion, commitment, and hard work of people who go that extra mile in helping grow the game in their local communities.
The winners of these awards continue to make a significant contribution to community cricket by creating opportunities for people of all ages to participate, remain involved, and have a strong connection with the game.
We would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners and recognize the significant contribution they have made to cricket across the country.
We look forward to formally recognise the winners of these awards, with presentations to be made during the upcoming BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS double header fixtures against South Africa at Eden Park, HNRY Stadium, and Hagley Oval.
Sir Jack Newman Award
Winner: Gregor Fountain
Location: Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club
As Junior Convenor of Cricket at Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, Gregor Fountain has been pivotal in creating a junior cricket environment that’s welcoming and supportive. By empowering coaches, volunteers, and developing resources used nationwide, Gregor has been indispensable to junior cricket. He’s truly deserving of the Sir Jack Newman Award, our highest honour in community cricket.
Collaboration Initiative of the Year
Winner: Wanaka Cricket Club & Mt Aspiring College
Location: Otago Country Cricket
The strong partnership between Wanaka Cricket Club and Mt Aspiring College has enabled a clear path for young cricketers to develop. This has enabled students to play for their school, play regularly, and continue to develop their skills while still being involved in organised cricket.
Outstanding Contribution and Services to Coaching
Winner: Mark Setford
Location: Cornwall Cricket Club Hastings
Mark Setford has been giving his precious time for more than a decade in coaching young cricket players at his club and schools in the area. Mark is renowned for his positive and welcoming attitude and has been able to instill confidence and passion for the game in the young cricket players he has coached.
Outstanding Volunteer
Winner: Mike Southby
Location: Mid Canterbury Cricket
Mike Southby has dedicated decades of unwavering service to Mid Canterbury Cricket, contributing in multiple capacities, whether as a coach, an administrator, or a guiding leader. His deep passion for Mid Canterbury Cricket is evident in the countless hours he’s invested behind the scenes, ensuring the game thrives, the community flourishes, and generations of players benefit from his leadership.
Leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Winner: Wellington Sāmoa Kirikiti Association
Location: Cricket Wellington
The Wellington Sāmoa Kirikiti Association has played a vital role in fostering cricket by uniting Pasifika communities through the sport. Their dedication to promoting Kirikiti championships has opened doors for many to celebrate both the sport and their cultural heritage, enriching the community through cricket.
Club of the Year
Winner: Takapuna District Cricket Club
Location: Auckland Cricket
In their 75th year, the Takapuna District Cricket Club continues to make a difference in their community. Not only do their thriving junior programs introduce hundreds of youngsters to the game, but their success at the highest level has created a club where people of all ages can come together, grow, and enjoy the game of cricket together.
Outstanding Women and Girls Initiative
Winner: Kotahitanga Trophy and Shield Competition
Location: Central Districts Cricket
The Kotahitanga Trophy and Shield competitions have created meaningful opportunities for secondary school girls across the Central Districts region to play regular cricket. By bringing schools together and supporting new programmes, the initiative has helped more young women stay involved, develop their skills and grow their love for the game.
Official of the Year
Winner: Adrian West
Location: Auckland Cricket
For more than a decade, Adrian West has been a dedicated presence in community cricket as an umpire and mentor. A strong advocate for the Spirit of Cricket, he has supported clubs, guided new officials, and helped foster a positive environment for the game. Through his commitment and leadership, he has played an important role in strengthening the umpiring community across the region.
