New Zealand National Cricket Team Coaches Full list (1971

New Zealand did not have a formally titled full-time head coach until the mid-1980s. The modern head-coach list effectively started with Glenn Turner in 1985.

List of New Zealand national cricket team coaches: Full List 1971–2025

No.	Coach	Stint	Origin
1	Glenn Turner	1985–1987	New Zealand
2	Bob Cunis	1987–1990	New Zealand
3	Warren Lees	1990–1993	New Zealand
4	Geoff Howarth	1993–1995	New Zealand
5	Glenn Turner	1995–1996	New Zealand
6	Steve Rixon	1996–1999	Australia
7	David Trist	1999–2001	New Zealand
8	Denis Aberhart	2001–2003	New Zealand
9	John Bracewell	2003–2008	New Zealand
10	Andy Moles	2008–2009	England
11	Mark Greatbatch	2010	New Zealand
12	John Wright	2010–2012	New Zealand
13	Mike Hesson	2012–2018	New Zealand
14	Gary Stead	2018–2025	New Zealand
15	Rob Walter	2025–present	South Africa

Glenn Turner (1985–1987; 1995–1996)

Glenn Turner one of New Zealand’s finest batters (41 Tests, 41 ODIs) was the first figure commonly listed as head coach/manager for the modern era (first appointed in 1985). He presided over some of NZ’s best results in the mid-1980s and returned for a second spell in 1995–96, including the 1996 World Cup period.

Bob Cunis (1987–1990)

Former pace bowler Bob Cunis (20 Tests, 1964–72) moved into coaching and led the national side from 1987 to 1990. He bridged the team through late-80s tours and home series before Warren Lees succeeded him.

Warren Lees (1990–1993)

Warren Lees (wicket-keeper, 21 Tests and 31 ODIs in the 1970s–early 1980s) took charge from 1990 to 1993. After a solid domestic and international playing career, he moved into coaching and administration before and after his Black Caps spell.

Geoff Howarth (1993–1995)

Geoff Howarth, a gritty top-order batter and long-time New Zealand captain was head coach in the early 1990s. His tenure included the difficult 1994 South Africa tour episode; his contract with NZC ended in 1995.

Steve Rixon (1996–1999)

Australian wicketkeeper Steve Rixon, who played for Australia in the late 1970s/early 1980s, coached New Zealand from 1996 to 1999. Rixon brought international coaching experience from other setups before returning to Australia after the 1999 England tour.

David Trist (1999–2001)

David Trist (right-arm fast-medium; later a well-regarded coach) was New Zealand coach from 1999 to 2001. His tenure included the team’s ICC KnockOut Trophy (Champions Trophy) success in 2000 New Zealand’s first global white-ball title, a notable high point. (Trist passed away in 2025; obituaries and NZC noted his role in that 2000 title.)

Denis Aberhart (2001–2003)

Denis Aberhart, a long-time domestic coach and educator, was appointed Black Caps coach in 2001 and served until 2003. He came from Canterbury/domestic coaching and balanced a career in education with his coaching roles.

John Bracewell (2003–2008)

John Bracewell (all-rounder >1000 Test runs and 100 Test wickets) was national coach from 2003 to 2008. Bracewell’s tenure covered rebuilding phases and a variety of Test and ODI campaigns; he left the role in late 2008.

Andy Moles (2008–2009)

Andy Moles (England) succeeded Bracewell in late 2008 but lasted only until 2009 amid reported loss of player confidence and differences of opinion; his short tenure was turbulent and he resigned in October 2009.

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Mark Greatbatch (2010)

Mark Greatbatch (former Test opener) was appointed coach in early 2010 on an interim/short-term basis following Moles’s departure. He held the role briefly before a further review of the coaching/selection structure.

John Wright (2010–2012)

John Wright (former New Zealand opening batsman and later India’s successful coach) returned to international coaching with the Black Caps from late 2010 until 2012. Wright brought vast coaching experience and resigned in 2012 after the West Indies tour.

Mike Hesson (2012–2018)

Mike Hesson (appointed 2012) is widely credited with transforming the Black Caps’ culture and performance: selection boldness, improved structures and the Brendon McCullum–style white-ball revolution helped New Zealand reach the 2015 World Cup final and generally lift results across formats. Hesson resigned in 2018 after a highly successful six-year spell.

Gary Stead (2018–2025)

Gary Stead was appointed head coach in August 2018. Under his leadership New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021 and reached multiple major finals; he stepped down from the role effective June 2025 after seven years in charge.

Rob Walter (2025–present)

In June 2025 New Zealand Cricket appointed South African coach Rob Walter as the new head coach across formats . Walter joins after experience with South Africa’s limited-overs teams and previous involvement with New Zealand’s provincial and “A” setups.

New Zealand National Cricket Team Coaches Full list (1971–2025)