A new CEO has been announced for the NZ Cricket Players’ Association

Porter was appointed CEO of Halo Sport in 2017.

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

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

“One of the leading NZRPAs in New Zealand [rugby players’ association] Accredited agents, Simon has worked in sports law or the sports 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, his network in the rugby world is second to none and he has brokered contracts for his clients in every professional market within the rugby world.

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

Heath Mills announced in March that he would be stepping down from his position, with his last day being June 3.

“This has not 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 have encountered along the way have shaped me profoundly. In many ways, the association feels like part of who I am as a person.”

The association is a strong force in cricket, as evidenced by its support of the new NZ20 T20 national competition, due to launch in the summer of 2027/2028.

Mills’ support for the proposed competition brought him and NZ Cricket’s major associations into contact with then NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink, who, along with three others, supported a major review of that option.

Ultimately, Weenink resigned from his own position in December. Essentially, he was ousted due to the deterioration of relations with those parties and the members of his own administration.

At one point, Porter was touted as a possible new CEO of NZ Cricket.

Porter has been contacted for comment.

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

“I’ll also be joining a new consultancy company, Strata Collective, which will be doing some work in sports. I’m really excited about this next phase.”

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

“My life has undoubtedly been richer from that experience. I am deeply grateful to all of you for doing my best to represent and support you, and I hope that I have been able to contribute in a way that justifies the trust you have placed in me.”

He said the time was right to move on and the association would embark on its next chapter.

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

“A generation of players has built an organization with support programs and services that will care for players well into the future. It has been humbling to see how you have looked after each other, treated the game with respect and set ambitions for your organization. I have just been fortunate to play a small role in helping make that happen.”

“Your greatest strength has always been your unity – standing together for each other and for the players who will follow. As the game continues to evolve, never lose sight of the collective values ​​and that sense of belonging. As our byline says: Players Better Together – and I believe that will always be true.”

Editor-in-Chief Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held leadership and senior editorial positions at NZME, including editor-in-chief,NZ Heraldeditor andHerald on Sundayeditor and has a small stake in NZME.