New chief executive set to be announced for NZ Cricket Players’ Association

Porter was appointed chief executive of Halo Sport in 2017.

The company has almost 60 big names on its books, according to its website, including present and past rugby players such as the Barrett brothers, Sir John Kirwan, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw; cricketing names such as Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson; and athletes such as Dame Valerie Adams.

It also has some big names beyond sport, such as Victoria Cross winner Willie Apiata.

“One of New Zealand’s leading NZRPA [rugby players’ association] accredited agents, Simon has been working in either sports law or the sporting industry since graduating from the University of Otago with his law degree in 1999,” says a short biography on the Halo Sport website.

“Simon’s experience is extensive, with his network through the rugby world unrivalled, having brokered contracts for his clients in every professional market within the rugby world.

“Simon’s knowledge of sporting and sponsorship contracts is second to none.”

Heath Mills announced in March that he was stepping down from the role, with his last day set to be June 3.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision,” Mills told followers and supporters in March.

“The NZCPA has been a huge part of my life for more than 25 years, and the experiences, opportunities, challenges, people and relationships I’ve encountered along the way have shaped me profoundly. In many ways, the association feels like a part of who I am as a person.”

The association is a powerful force in cricket, as evidenced by its support for the new NZ20 T20 domestic league, which will be launched in the 2027/28 summer.

Mills’ support of the proposed league saw him and NZ Cricket’s major associations come up against then NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink, who was backing a thorough review of that option alongside three others.

Weenink eventually stepped down from his own role in December - essentially, he was ousted because of the breakdown in relationships with those parties, and members of his own board.

At one stage, Porter was being touted as a possible new chief executive of NZ Cricket.

Porter has been contacted for comment.

Mills said in March that he would continue in his role as executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association.

“I will also be joining a new advisory business, Strata Collective, which will undertake some work in sport. I’m very excited about this next phase.”

Mills said in his announcement that he had been “incredibly fortunate that the game’s best players have trusted me to serve you in this role”.

“My life is unquestionably richer for that experience. I’m deeply grateful to all of you who have allowed me to do my best to represent and support you, and I hope I’ve been able to contribute in a way that justifies the trust you placed in me.”

He said the time felt right to move on, and for the association to begin its next chapter.

“When I step back and look at the NZCPA today, it’s remarkable how far the association has come since those early days in 2001, when I had no idea what a players’ association really was.

“A generation of players have built an organisation with support programmes and services that will care for players long into the future. It has been humbling to see the way you have looked after one another, treated the game with respect, and set ambitions for your organisation. I’ve simply been fortunate to play a small role in helping you achieve them.

“Your greatest strength has always been your unity — standing together for one another and for the players who will follow. As the game continues to evolve, never lose sight of those collective values and that sense of togetherness. As our byline says, Players Better Together — and I believe that will always be true."

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