Cunis talked about as coaching option

IN THE WINGS: Stephen Cunis could be a potential replacement for Dimitri Mascarenhas. PHOTO/ MICHAEL CUNNINGHA

New Zealand bowling coach Dimitri Mascarenhas has signalled he will step down at the end of the 2016 home summer.

This could open up an opportunity for Northland Cricket Association operations manager and New Zealand A bowling coach Stephen Cunis - whose father, Bob, coached the Black Caps between 1987 and 1990.

While he isn't ruling out having a shot at the role, Cunis mentioned at this stage he will just keep "doing what I'm doing".

"I haven't really had a chance to think about it.

"I can't be erring on the side of what I'm doing now, but maybe it's worth speaking to people I know at New Zealand Cricket and see what they think."

Mascarenhas was appointed last March, replacing former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond.

Mascarenhas said his decision to leave is based around doing the right thing for his family.

"They're my No1 priority. I really need to spend more quality time with my family.

"At first I thought I could balance the responsibilities but I no longer think that's feasible," he said.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said he was sorry to be losing Mascarenhas, valuing the "vibrancy" he brought to the group.

"We understand that family comes first and the demands of the international calender are not always compatible with that," Hesson said.

Mascarenhas added he'd valued his time as the Black Caps bowling coach.

"I had an amazing time with the team," he said. "It's probably been the best time I've had in cricket, either as a player or as a coach.

"In the future I hope I can re-visit this sort of role. The children are young now and that's where I need to be. But it's definitely the type of job I'd like to return to."

New Zealand Cricket will begin the process to replace Mascarenhas immediately.