Senior domestic administrator resigns in NZ

One of New Zealand's longest-serving domestic administrators, John Turkington, chief executive of Northern Districts has resigned from his position. He will finish in his role after the New Zealand Test against South Africa at Hamilton, starting on March 10.

Turkington served for 19 years in the role which has grown significantly in the years between. From a one-man band, he now has a staff of eight to run the game in the non-Auckland northern region of New Zealand.

He has also seen extensive change at Northern Districts' home ground which was formerly known as Seddon Park but which has changed through a variety of sponsorship changes to Westpac Park. The ground has also become a Test and one-day international venue.

Two seasons ago, New Zealand achieved its largest Test victory, by an innings and 185 runs, at the ground against Pakistan, the same match in which Craig McMillan broke the world record for most runs off an over, 26. Younis Khan was the unfortunate victim.

Jeff Freeman, the chairman of the Northern Districts Cricket Association, said ND's financial performance, the number of players involved in cricket and the development of ND's players were all a result of Turkington's administration.

"He has brought passion and an entrepreneurial spirit to Northern Districts that has shaped our Association so that it is seen as one of New Zealand's leading cricket associations both on and off the field," Freeman said.

Turkington was a driving force behind the installation of international class lights at the ground, a factor in Hamilton not missing out on lucrative day-night internationals.