Peter Barnett, middle, has been named as one of six finalists in the Specsavers Favourite Umpire competition.
A Kaitaia cricket umpire is in line to be named New Zealand's most popular on-field official in the Specsavers' Favourite Cricket Umpire competition.
Peter Barnett was last week named as one of the six finalists in the search for New Zealand's favourite cricket umpire, which invited nominations of amateur cricket
umpires in a bid to reward those unsung heroes who give up their time to further club cricket.
The 52-year-old professional coach and sport co-ordinator admitted he was humbled and delighted by the nomination.
As a finalist, Barnett received two pairs of Specsavers glasses, a Kookabura bat signed by Black Caps BJ Watling, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill, and a double pass to an international cricket game. The overall winner receives a prize pack which includes a training session with a top Kiwi umpire and $1000 spending money.
Barnett's nomination was made by Paihia's Arshad 'Ali' Siddiqui, whose team also benefitted from a substantial fundraising grant earlier this year. Ali spoke highly of Barnett, a man he described as an umpire, mentor, coach and organiser.
