Former New Zealand Cricket chief dies

Former chief executive of New Zealand Cricket Chris Doig has died. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Former New Zealand Cricket CEO and international opera star Chris Doig has died.

The 62-year old has been battling cancer for some time but recently attended a fundraising concert in Christchurch.

Doig was on the board of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and was prominent with SPARC, Creative New Zealand and New Zealand Rowing.

He headed New Zealand cricket for six years prior to Martin Snedden.

Most recently he'd been involved in getting opera star Placido Domingo to New Zealand.

At Domingo's concert in Christchurch last week, Prime Minister John Key had acknowledged Mr Doig's effort.

''Chris has had a remarkable career in the arts and in sport. His commitment to cricket and to rugby and to this city of Christchurch has been truly breathtaking and tonight is a credit to him,'' he said.

For services to the arts and sport he was awarded a CNZM earlier this year on top of his insignia of an Officer of the Order of the British Empire he'd previously received.