''We sent Mark away with some work-ons, including fitness and he's made good progress in that area. His skill set certainly suits English conditions."
The test group is largely predictable, Tom Latham winning a place after being part of the test group against England through March.
All 11 players who played all three tests against England are in the squad, supplemented by Martin Guptill, Doug Bracewell, Gillespie and Tom Latham.
''We're very pleased with the skills Tom brings, especially to the longer form at the moment," Hesson said.
''Most likely he'll keep at some stage in the early games. Theoretically we've got three keepeers on tour, but BJ Watling remains our No 1 test keeper."
Hesson was pleased to have Vettori back in the fold, after a long layoff with an Achilles injury.
''He's progressed really well. We took quite a conservative approach in terms of his return.
''His Achilles is certainly getting a workout and it's great to have him back," Hesson said.
NEW ZEALAND SQUADS
Tests: Brendon McCullum ©, Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Bruce Martin, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Mark Gillespie.
ODI/Champions Trophy: McCullum ©, Guptill, Luke Ronchi, Williamson, Taylor, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Colin Munro, Dan Vettori, Nathan McCullum, Andrew Ellis, Southee, Kyle Mills, Boult, Mitch McClenaghan.
Schedule:
May 4-6: NZ v Derbyshire
May 9-12: NZ v England Lions at Leicester
May 16-20: First test, Lords
May 24-8: Second test, Leeds
ODIs:
May 31; Lords
June 2: Southampton
June 5: Nottingham
Champions Trophy:
June 9: v Sri Lanka, Cardiff
June 12: v Australia, Edgbaston
June 16: v England, Cardiff
