Associations to have say in Board vote

Major associations who felt they had lost the chance for some say in choosing the board of New Zealand Cricket regained a measure of involvement in the process after securing the right to elect two members of the selection panel that chooses the board. Under the constitutional changes implemented after the Hood Report of 1995, the associations were shut out of the process.

This was the result of a drive to eliminate parochialism, deemed to have been stifling the administration of the game in New Zealand. The selection panel was made up of two independent members of the Institute of Directors, or their nominees, a representative from the board, and the president and immediate past president of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), or their nominees.

Auckland put the notice of motion to today's meeting that the presidential options be replaced by two nominees of the major associations. It needed 60 percent support to be passed. Speaking to the motion, Rex Smith, the chairman of Auckland Cricket, said: "We are not seeking a return to a delegate-based system. If supported, it will be the responsibility of any nominees that they have the required skills and abilities to undertake the role. We feel it would be a proper balance with two nominees."

Auckland was supportive of the changes that had been enacted through the Hood Report, but felt the installation of two association representatives would ensure greater transparency in the election process. The motion was passed by the meeting.

In the one election that did occur at the meeting, former New Zealand captain and international match referee John Reid headed off Stewart McKnight for the position of president of NZC.