Former South Africa White-ball coach Rob Walter has signed a three-year contract and will take over head coach duties across all formats for the next three years.
Gary Stead, who has been the Blackcaps’ head coach for seven years, will be stepping down from the position by the end of this month.
He is one of the leading candidates after he departed his role with South Africa, despite having more than two years to run on his contract with CSA.
Walter had led South Africa to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy as well as the finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Walter’s family had relocated in New Zealand while he was coaching South Africa, having set u p his life in Hawke’s Bay following head coaching roles with Otago Volts and Central Stags in New Zealand domestic cricket.
He coached stags to titles in the Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield in 2022-23. Walter also led New Zealand A on a tour of India in 2022 and has done stints as an assistant coach in the IPL.
🗣️ “It’s an epic three-and-a-half year period that awaits the team.”
Introducing our new Head Coach – Rob Walter 🤝 pic.twitter.com/luLn7zcmI2
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 6, 2025
“The Blackcaps have been a successful and highly-regarded team on the world scene for some time now and it’s a real privilege to be given the chance to add to that,” Walter said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested.
“I just can’t wait to get started. It’s exciting, it’s challenging, and the opportunity is enormous for everyone.”
The NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said it was the right time and place for Walter to take over the role.
“Rob is a world-class coach with an outstanding pedigree,” said Weenink. “His success in New Zealand’s domestic game, combined with his recent achievements on the global stage with South Africa, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Blackcaps.”
“We’re excited to welcome Rob back home to guide our team through an exciting and challenging period, including three major ICC events.”
Rob Walter will take over in mid-June ahead of the New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe in July.
