Grassroots is focus for new controller

IN THE HOTSEAT: Stephen Cunis has been appointed as general manager of Northland Cricket. PHOTO / JOHN STONE

NORTHLAND CRICKET Association has announced a change in general manager, appointing Stephen Cunis to the role.

Cunis has been performing the operations manager role with passion for some time and been a key driver in the growth of cricket in the region.

His history involves many levels of cricket - from his childhood and formative playing years in Northland, through his first-class career (mainly in Christchurch), teaching and coaching and more recently back in Northland where he has gained extensive experience in his operations role.

Cunis is excited by his new role.

"I'm absolutely stoked obviously. Warren Marr left a big hole to fill," he said. "The board's process for finding a replacement for Marr was substantial, they worked very hard to make what they think is the right choice."

After his retirement from first-class cricket, he was employed by the Canterbury Cricket Association to coach and assist with representative teams, including U15, U17 and Canterbury A.

From there Cunis was appointed the Canterbury Magicians head coach for four seasons and during that time was also assistant coach of the NZ White Ferns.

He has also worked as the Northland men's coach, ND A coach, NZ A bowling coach and as a NZ high performance coach.

Cunis said he would continue to coach in his new role.

"Coaching is a real passion of mine, so I'll keep coaching the Northland men's team," he said. "The board sees it as a positive thing."

Cunis has a few aims for his tenure as general manager.

"Junior and school cricket will be a major focus for us. We need to give juniors the opportunity to play. Without grassroots cricket, the game is lost," he said.

"Looking at the big picture, we want to get more internationals. It's up to Northern Districts and New Zealand Cricket to weigh up their options, given they have two other grounds [Seddon Park and Bay Oval]."

Meanwhile, Helen Smith has taken over the position of commercial manager.

Northland Cricket chairman Paul Tomich lauded Cunis' and Smith's work.

"In tandem with Helen Smith, together they have seamlessly run the organisation since April and we sincerely thank them both for that," he said.

"The characteristics they have displayed over the past months are the type that we are looking for in taking Northland Cricket forward."

Tomich cited Cunis' depth of cricket knowledge combined with his passion for Northland as key factors for his appointment.

Cunis also had high praise for Smith. "She has been amazing for us here. She does a lot of great work and is really important to us going forward," he said.