Northern Districts cricketer and rising coaching talent Erin Hunt is about to embark on a special sporting journey, as she heads to the Netherlands to play a full season of club cricket.
For Hamilton-based Hunt, the move is as much a cricketing opportunity as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.
“Our winter[in New Zealand is] their summer, I’m basically just going for a full adventure and using cricket as an excuse,” she told Waikato All Sports Breakfast.
Hunt has signed on with HCC in The Hague, a well‑established club with men’s, women’s and junior sides.
In addition to playing, she will be coaching an under‑11 team, many of whom speak very little English.
“I’ve got a return date. If I want to go back [to the Netherlands], I can, but having an end date definitely helps [with homesickness]. When I start missing home, I know [going home] it’s not too far away.”
A breakout season at home
Hunt’s 2025–26 domestic season has been one of growth and momentum.
She featured in the Hamilton Women’s Representative side, where competition intensified as District Association cricket ramped up and several Northern Brave players returned to help bolster the level of play.
“We had quite a few games for the Hamilton Reps. The DA competitions really started taking off,” she said.
“We even had the newest White Fern, Kayley Knight, play for Hamilton. Competing alongside players at that next level has been really cool.”
Hunt also notched several early‑season appearances for Northern Districts A, rounding out a demanding but rewarding summer.
Reinventing her game
In a significant shift, Hunt recently decided to transition from pace bowling to off‑spin, a move she admits has been more challenging than expected.
“With pace, you’re running in straight and pushing the ball through. With spin, everything changes: your wrist position, your body alignment, your back foot has to be sideways. It’s actually a lot harder.”
She credits former Black Cap and ND player Anton Devcich for helping her adjust.
“I’ve been picking his brain over the last couple of weeks. I’ve enjoyed the new challenge.”
A growing leader in the game
Off the field, Hunt has earned a reputation as a dedicated coach and mentor for young Waikato cricketers.
From clinics to representative coaching, she has helped shape the region’s next generation of players.
“The resources kids have now are quadruple what they were when I was coming through,” she said.
“If they want it, they can have it. The doors are open, they just have to commit.”
As a schoolgirl, cricket wasn’t even on her radar as a career path.
“Cricket was never really going to be a thing for me. I grew up watching the Black Caps with Dad, but nothing crazy. Once I started playing, it just took off, and now I can’t imagine life without it.”
Though she’ll be missed around Seddon Park and the Hamilton cricket scene, Hunt said the timing is perfect for her overseas opportunity.
“I’ll be back, but I’m going to make the most of every moment while I’m over there.”
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a Hamilton City Councillor.
