One bat to unite 25 years of NZ Cricket and ANZ

Stars from the past will be commemorated on a special bat from ANZ New Zealand (ANZ NZ) to celebrate its 25-year anniversary of supporting cricket in New Zealand.

The bat, to be signed by one standout debutant from each year of the partnership, will be present at the BLACKCAPS training today at Hagley Oval, ahead of travelling up and down the country as part of the ANZ Roadie celebrating cricket in our communities.

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BLACKCAP Rachin Ravindra was the first player to sign the bat today, followed by Luke Ronchi and WHITE FERNS Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu.

The remaining 21 signatures will be completed across the season and the bat will be auctioned in April 2025 with proceeds going to the NZ Cricketer’s Trust.

Sarah Rogan, ANZ NZ head of sponsorship, says ANZ is extremely proud of its 25 year-long association with New Zealand Cricket.

“Cricket is a sport that brings communities together over summer – whether that’s a game of street cricket, at the local club, or watching the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS.

“The ANZ Cricket Roadie is a celebration of the game and the bat is a nod to some of the amazing players who have entertained and inspired us over the last 25 years,” says Sarah.

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Scott Weenink, CEO of NZ Cricket says that the ANZ partnership is one of the longest in New Zealand sport and is highly revered.

“ANZ’s support of cricket over the past 25 years has been key to helping the growth of the game. ANZ goes hand in hand with cricket and we’re grateful for their passionate and dedicated approach to this partnership.” 

“It’s been a landmark year for New Zealand Cricket with the WHITE FERNS winning the T20 World Cup, and the BLACKCAPS making history in India. What a way to celebrate ANZ’s 25-year commitment,” said Weenink.

The ANZ Roadie events will include the chance for the public to meet the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS, get tips from the players, and score some cricket freebies. There’ll also be games, music, and food on site.

The first stop of the ANZ Cricket Roadie will be in Wellington on 4 December at Waitangi Park. Followed by Hamilton, Whangarei, Auckland, Taranaki, Nelson, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Tauranga.

The NZ Cricketer’s trust is a charitable trust established by current professional players and the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association, with a view to assisting past cricketers in times of need.