Gary Stead takes up high performance coaching role with NZC

Gary Stead takes up high performance coaching role with NZC

Gary Stead, New Zealand's former head coach, has accepted a high performance coaching role with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He will develop supporting players and coaches, along with high performance programmes.

Stead recently completed an eight-year stint as head coach of New Zealand. During this time, he guided New Zealand to the World Test Championship in 2021 and oversaw the team's historic whitewash of India last year. Notably, New Zealand also reached the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2021, the ICC ODI World Cup in 2019.

Stead has been involved with NZC for the past 34 years, including his playing career where he featured in five Tests for the country. He also appeared in over 100 First-Class and List A games before moving into coaching roles.

His first coaching role was as a coach development manager (2004-09), followed by an assistant coach role at the NZC Academy (2005-06). He then became head coach of the New Zealand women's team from 2009 to 2012 before being appointed as Canterbury's director of cricket for six years. In 2018, he took over as head coach of the New Zealand men's team.

"New Zealand cricket's very much been at my heart for the past 30 odd years and to be able to keep contributing to the game I love is really special," Stead said.

"I'm still passionate about coaching and trying to help people learn and improve. If I can pass on some of my skills and experiences to the wider cricket network and in turn help the Blackcaps and White Ferns win on the world stage – then that would be really satisfying."

Stead was recently appointed as the head coach of Indian domestic side Andhra for the 2025-26 edition of the Ranji Trophy. He is appreciative of NZC for allowing him to work outside the organisation to develop his skills further.

"I'm also appreciative of the opportunity to work outside of NZC to broaden my skills and experiences and hopefully I can bring what I learn back into our cricket environment."