New Zealand Cricket says a $2.2 million surplus for the financial year, turning around a forecasted $6.8m deficit, shows it’s in a strong financial position.
Board chairperson Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said the organisation had a strong bottom line, with reserves at a record $37m, supported by strong broadcasting agreements, high-value playing programmes, and a solid commercial base.
The 2025 result follows an $8m surplus in 2024 and Puketapu-Lyndon said the position underlines NZ Cricket’s stability and resilience.
“A small net surplus represents a significant outperformance against budget, reflecting prudent management and disciplined oversight – through what was a challenging operating environment.
“… [It] should provide confidence in its ability to continue investing in the game’s long-term growth and sustainability.”
Puketapu-Lyndon acknowledged the role of its members in contributing to a cricket ecosystem well-placed to adjust and adapt to future needs.
“Cricket here has never been a one-size-fits-all affair and NZC places great value in the ability of our major and district associations, and clubs to understand what works best in their regions and catchments.
“We’re committed to working closely with them to ensure they’re well equipped to service the grassroots environment upon which our entire game is based.”
Meanwhile, former New Zealand Test player, coach and selector Mark Greatbatch has been elected president of New Zealand Cricket.
Greatbatch, who played 41 Tests and 84 One Day Internationals for his country between 1988 and 1996, replaces Lesley Murdoch, who completed her three-year term.
On the board, Sarah Beaman rotated off at the end of her three-year term and opted against re-standing. Kevin Malloy rotated off and was re-elected for a third term.
The meeting elected three life members: former Test players Rebecca Rolls, Martin Snedden, and Ewen Chatfield.
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Black Cap Tom Latham backs in-form Henry Nicholls to fit seamlessly back into national colours as they seek to seal the ODI series against the West Indies.
Nicholls was recalled for the two remaining matches of the series, starting with game two in Napier on Wednesday, after Daryl Mitchell was ruled out.
Mitchell injured his groin on the way to a match-winning 119 in the seven-run game one victory in Christchurch on Sunday.
He will be difficult to replace given his exceptional form in the 50-over format, having shone in the recent 3-0 sweep of England and boosted his career average above 53.
Latham agreed Mitchell would be missed but said 34-year-old Nicholls was a welcome addition, given his experience and strong form in domestic one-dayers for Canterbury, scoring two centuries in five Ford Trophy matches.
“The numbers probably speak for itself, he’s obviously playing really nicely,” Latham said of Nicholls, who has played 81 ODIs over an international career that nearly spans a decade.
“It’s always great when you can bring someone into the environment that understands and has played a lot of cricket in this team.
“We know the sort of character that he is – he’s able to fit into a team and do whatever role is required if needed. He’s obviously been rewarded, through the disappointment of Daryl. But he’s coming off runs, which is what you want as a batter.”
New Zealand are chasing an 11th successive ODI home series win.
Black Caps Tim Southee, Ben Sears and Daryl Mitchell celebrate a wicket against Pakistan in the second Twenty20 international at Hamilton.Photosport
During that period, they’ve won 26 of the 28 completed games and sit second on the world rankings in the 50-over format behind India.
Latham said they’ve built good player depth in the process, pointing to the impressive displays from Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, given their chance due to a host of injuries to the deep stock of Black Caps seamers.
“It’s been fantastic. You look at someone like Duff and Zak, who haven’t played a huge amount of one-day cricket. I think what they did against England, their games speak for themselves,” Latham said.
“The other night (in Christchurch) they played a different role. They both didn’t take the new ball and I think the impact they had was outstanding. Being able to adapt on the fly was really pleasing.
“So it’s good problems for selectors and coaches and captains to have. If you look over the last 12 months at the number of guys who have had opportunities and have put their hands up.
“The more we can keep building the depth of not only the white ball teams, but all teams, it’s only a good thing for New Zealand Cricket.”
New Zealand bowler Nathan Smith celebrates with team mate Tom LathamAndrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Latham agreed one area to improve is their catching, having spilled a number of half-chances at Hagley Oval.
However, he said a strong Christchurch wind played a part in the ball slipping through the grasp of outfielders from both teams.
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All Blacks prop Tevita Mafileo has been ruled of this weekend’s test against Wales after suffering a rib fracture during training.
The Chiefs front rower George Dyer has been brought in from the All Blacks XV squad as training cover.
Hurricanes forward Devan Flanders has also joined the squad as training cover following lock Fabian Holland’s illness over the weekend, which ruled him out of the defeat to England at Twickenham.
George Dyer of the Chiefs.Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz
The team said Holland is recovering well and expected to be available for selection for the test against Wales in Cardiff.
The All Blacks will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to England last weekend and end their season on a high with a win over Wales, who have never beaten New Zealand.
Assistant coach Jason Holland knows a second straight defeat, and first ever to Wales, won’t be acceptable for All Blacks fans.
“This game is as important as any of the four games (on tour),” Holland said.
“Everybody’s been dialled in since this morning around exactly what it’s going to take to beat Wales. We’re excited and looking forward to putting on a good performance.”
“Obviously a lot of disappointment after Saturday … but we had a good day yesterday, did our own review and work around understanding some of the pictures where we took the pressure off England and put the pressure on ourselves,” Holland said.
“You go 12-0 up, you’ve got your skills going well and you’re holding on to the ball and then we make some fundamental errors which we can’t make. Then we give England a bit of a sniff and momentum and they’re putting us under pressure.
“It’s also around how we kick and when we kick and how we could have isolated people with a little bit more kicking on our terms versus kicking when we’re under pressure. And just skill sets, three or four big errors around simple skills really turns a test match, doesn’t it? And that was a big part as well.”
Jason Holland.John Cowpland / action press
The All Blacks have made a habit of starting well only to fall off in the second half, with some pundits suggesting they have an inability to adjust to their opposition’s changes in strategy.
Holland said the coaches have to take responsibility.
“The first part of that is making sure we get the detail and the work into the week so that when you’re in the stand you can give a one or two word explanation around how behaviours can change or tactics can change,” Holland said.
“So getting the week right is massive.”
With nine wins and three losses this year, inconsistency has been a bit of a hallmark of the All Blacks and questions are being asked about the progress of the team two years out from the next World Cup.
Holland is adamant the team is showing enough growth to be comfortable with how their tracking, though he concedes there’s plenty of work to be done..
“We’ve all got to keep working hard at helping the boys to perform under pressure and understand exactly what that looks like.”
Meanwhile, Wales have lost wing Josh Adams for the test after he was suspended for three matches.
Adams was sent off in Wales win over Japan last weekend for a dangerous clearout on Japan’s Kippei Ishida.
He was initially given a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red after review.
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File photo. Ian Roberts playing for Manly Sea Eagles in 1995.Photosport / Andrew Cornaga
The NRL’s first openly gay player has slammed the NZ Breakers as “cowards” for not wearing the rainbow Pride flag in next year’s NBL Pride Round.
The Breakers are the second club to opt out of the pride jersey since the Round began in 2023, saying it’s to protect individual players from being singled out for their beliefs. Cairns Taipans did the same during the inaugural round, when the players did not wear a pride jersey.
Ian Roberts has a prominent voice and advocate for the rainbow community in Australian sport since coming out as gay in 1995, while still an active NRL player.
He told Morning Report the NZ Breakers’ decision was shameful and could have huge repercussions for people struggling with their sexual identity.
“They’re absolute cowards.”
“Call it for what it is. This is homophobia.”
“This is bigotry. Just call it for what it is, at least have the courage to stand up and say, ‘yeah, I’m against this, I’m not for same-sex people being same-sex attracted, I’m totally opposed to that and I won’t wear a badge’.”
“The consequences can be catastrophic for kids who are dealing with their sexuality and you’ve got d…heads like this who want to jump up and wave their religious book or culturally.”
“I thought religion was supposed to be about embracing and loving and caring,” he said.
RNZ has approached the Breakers for comment.
Pride Round is the basketball league’s annual celebration of diversity and inclusion, recognising the LGBTQIA-plus community.
Roberts said he wasn’t surprised by the basketball team’s decision and believed there had been political and religious pressures.
The former Kangaroos and NSW Blues representative said the Breakers didn’t appreciate the depth of feeling within the sporting rainbow community.
“That’s why I get so worked up when people push back against it, it’s just saying, we embrace you, you’re welcome. That’s basically what it’s saying.”
“Events like this make people feel better about themselves and make people feel worthy and make people feel like they’re not freaks and they’re not all isolated.”
“It’s to be a part of this sport and to be a part of the sporting community. It should be a thing of celebration. It shouldn’t be any controversy… that’s why I just find it difficult that people want to use culture, cultural issues or religious issues or political issues to push back against stuff like this.”
“This is about saving kids’ lives. That’s the bottom line for me, that’s how I see it.”
The Manly Sea Eagles great said he believed in the power of sport to change people’s lives and hoped the NZ Breakers reconsidered their position.
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Samoan rugby players lay down their challenge.RAUL ZAMORA/PHOTOSPORT / AFP
Samoa have clinched a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after a dramatic finish to the final qualifying tournament in Dubai.
Samoa finished top of the four-team tournament after drawing 13-13 with Belgium in the last game.
It is the tenth time the Pacific Islanders have qualified for a World Cup, but they did it the hard way.
Belgium, who were hoping to attend their first World Cup, led 6-3 at half time.
Abraham Papali’i scored a try for Samoa in the 63rd minute, but Belgian captain Jean-Maurice Decubber touched down in the 72nd minute to set up a tense finish.
Knowing a draw was good enough for them to qualify, Samoa managed to safely play out the last few minutes.
They are the 24th and last team to secure their place at the tournament in Australia.
Samoa finished on 12 points, Belgium 11, Namibia 6 and Brazil 2.
The 17th ranked Samoans have played in every World Cup, except the first in 1987, and have twice made the quarter-finals.
The draw for the 2027 World Cup will be made on 3 December.
The 12 teams that finished in the top three of their pools at Rugby World Cup 2023 automatically qualified for Rugby World Cup 2027.
They were France, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina and Japan.
The 12 remaining places were reserved for teams that qualified through various tournaments … they were: Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Tonga, Canada, United States, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China and now Samoa.
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Ox Nche of South AfricaAndrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
No All Blacks have been named among the finalists for World Rugby Player of the Year.
Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick, Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea have all won the award since it was first introduced in 2001.
However, this is the second successive year that New Zealand has not had a finalist.
The finalists for World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year are: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France), Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), Malcolm Marx (South Africa) and Ox Nche (South Africa).
All Black lock Fabian Holland is nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year, while Tupou Vaa’i’s try against France in July is up for Try of the Year.
The voting panel included former legends of the game: Jacques Burger, Fiona Coghlan, Victor Matfield, Drew Mitchell, Ugo Monye, Sergio Parisse, Kieran Read and Blaine Scully.
The winners will be announced this weekend.
The women’s winners were announced after the World Cup with Sophie de Goede of Canada taking the top honour and New Zealand’s Braxton Sorensen-McGee named Breakthrough Player of the Year.
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
Ox Nche (South Africa)
International Rugby Players Association Men’s 15s Try of the Year
Santiago Cordero (Argentina, v British and Irish Lions – June)
Santiago Pedrero (Chile, v Samoa, South America/Pacific Play-off, RWC 2027 qualifier – October)
Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji, v Australia, men’s international – July)
Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand, v France, men’s international – July)
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
Henry Pollock (England)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)
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Jesse Ryder goes on the attack for the CD Stags in 2022.Photosport
Following his departure from the international cricket scene, former Black Cap Jesse Ryder will make a comeback for the T20 Black Clash.
Daniel Vettori’s Team Cricket takes on Kieran Read’s Team Rugby at Tauranga’s Bay Oval on the 17 January.
A left-handed batsman, Ryder scored all three of his test centuries against India and was one of New Zealand sport’s more colourful figures.
“The Black Clash looks like awesome fun so that’s definitely a bit of me,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get out there. I reckon I’ve still got a bit to offer!”
Ryder’s penchant for being part of record-breaking occasions carried over into shorter forms of the game – in 2014, he scored what still stands as the ninth-fastest ODI century of all time, smashing 104 off 46 balls in a rain-shortened match against the West Indies in Queenstown.
“On his day Jesse was without doubt one of the most destructive batters the game has seen,” captain Vettori said.
“It’s going to be great catching up with him again. I’m sure he’ll be going all out to put on a show for the fans.”
Now 41, Ryder played professionally as recently as 2023 when he appeared in a T20 legends series for the Southern Superstars.
Event director Carlena Limmer is delighted to have secured Ryder for the 2026 Black Clash.
“The T20 Black Clash is all about having a great time and celebrating Kiwi sport’s finest athletes and biggest personalities,” Limmer said.
“Jesse certainly ticks all the boxes – I’d say he’s the ultimate Black Clash player. I know the fans will all get behind him and hope he produces some of his trademark massive hits.”
Ryder joins other Black Caps stars, with Tim Southee and Neil Wagner adding some world class pace bowling to what is perhaps the strongest Team Cricket line-up yet.
However, Read’s ever-competitive Team Rugby have countered by signing Aussie legend Michael ‘Mr Cricket’ Hussey to play alongside a cast of rugby stars who just happen to have elite cricketing skills.
It’s the third time the event has been held in Tauranga, with the sold out 2022 and 2024 editions drawing sports fans from across the country to the picturesque Bay Oval.
Confirmed players
Team Cricket
Dan Vettori (Captain), Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Hamish Marshall , Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullum, Jesse Ryder
Team Rugby
Kieran Read (Captain), Michael Hussey (Wildcard), Ruben Love, Joey Wheeler, Andy Ellis, Jason Spice, Kaylum Boshier
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Michael Campbell is looking fit and healthy, and he’s feeling it too.
At least, he’s feeling an awful lot better than he was earlier this year, after undergoing heart surgery.
“I had atrial fibrillation, which means my heart was racing out of rhythm,” the 56-year-old said from his home in Marbella, Spain.
“I had felt terrible for about 4-5 years. I had an operation two months ago and I feel great now.
“I’ve lost a lot of weight, and feel strong and healthy.”
That surgery and recovery co-incided with the anniversary of the greatest day in Campbell’s career and one of the most memorable in New Zealand sporting history.
On 19 June, 2005, he strode up the fairways of Pinehurst in North Carolina, on his way to winning the US Open. While it’s seen as an out-of-the-blue sporting moment, winning a golf Major is no fluke.
“I must have been pretty focused, because I can remember every single shot on the last round of the US Open, 20 years ago. Those shots are unforgettable, it’s just life-changing stuff.”
Michael Campbell walks up the 18th fairway during the final round of the 2005 US Open.S. Badz/Getty Images
Especially when one of the players chasing Campbell down on the final round was a bloke named Tiger Woods.
“What he brings to golf, it transcends it as a sport,” said Campbell. “He’s just incredible – the presence, what he did for the game and what he achieved is just an incredible thing.
“To beat him in is in his prime and his height makes it even more special – there were 50,000 watching him and 10,000 watching me.
“He was there with me at the prizegiving, which is very unusual. I asked him, ‘Why are you here, Tiger?’, and what he said to me was the biggest compliment you could ever get from anyone.
“He said, ‘I know where you came from, how much resources back in the day, this is to show my respect’. That was the coolest thing ever.”
Michael Campbell shares a laugh with Tiger Woods after the final round of the US Open.Sean Meyers/Getty Images
While he was putting together an ultimately tournament-winning one-under-par round of 69, Campbell had only one thing on his mind – what was he going to do with the US $1.7 million winner’s prize?
“My original goal was a second-hand Porsche, but then after three rounds, it was a brand new one,” he said. “I put 997 on my ball to mark it, because that was the new Porsche model number that year.”
Campbell still has that ball, along with the US Open trophy that sits proudly in his living room.
All of this is captured in Dare to Be Different – The Michael Campbell Story. Premiering on 30 November on Sky Sport, the documentary tells Campbell’s story from when he was growing up, through to the US Open win and up to the present day.
Campbell returned to Pinehurst for the first time since lifting the trophy.
The film talks to legends like Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie, as well as New Zealand icons Sir Bob Charles, Steve Williams and Ryan Fox, but mainly, it focuses on Campbell coming to terms with his legacy, after a career that’s dominated by one massive moment.
Michael Campbell at the 2011 NZ Open.Photosport
“Golf has taught me discipline, perseverance and the possibility to dream. It’s more than just a game – it’s all about creating moments.”
The documentary also shows Campbell doing it the hard way, as a young Māori trying to break the mould of how New Zealand society in the 1970s and 80s saw him.
Golf was not a particularly ‘brown’ pastime when Campbell was growing up. In fact, his schoolmates and teachers laughed at him, when he announced that his dream was to one day become a professional player.
“I stood there, staying up proud and thinking, ‘You know what, you’re laughing now, but I’m going to have the last laugh’.”
With his heart now in the right place, both literally and figuratively, Campbell is eyeing up the PGA Legends Tour, now that he is qualified to play on it. He’s looking at Steven Alker for inspiration, after Alker’s huge pay days since joining the over-50 circuit.
“It’s just incredible, but he’s so hard working. I’ve known Stevie since I was like 15 years old, it’s a great story.”
Before he even steps on the course again, Campbell is already mindful of the powerful trail he’s blazed. Thanks to him and Phil Tautarangi, as well as significant youth programmes by Golf NZ, Māori participation in golf is now much more of a given than it was a few decades ago.
Recent stats point to eight percent of registered club members identifying as Māori, something Campbell is proud of.
“It was tough, people laughing at me and being told there’s no Māori professional golfers on tour,” he said. “So why not?
“We can make it. If you think you can do it, you can.”
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All Whites attacking player Sarpreet Singh.www.photosport.nz
All Whites v Ecuador
Kickoff 2.30pm, Wednesday, 19 November
Sports Illustrated Stadium, New Jersey.
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
The All Whites will play their final game of 2025 against unfamiliar opposition in an unfamiliar venue.
World No. 85 New Zealand have never played the world No. 23 Ecuador.
While the South Americans will feel at home in Sports Illustrated Stadium, after playing there 11 times before, the NZ squad will played for the first time at the venue that hosts Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.
Both teams have already qualified for next year’s Football World Cup and come into this game after playing friendlies last week – the All Whites faced Colombia and Ecuador took on Canada.
Form
Ecuador are on a hot streak of form.
Unbeaten in their last 14 games, Ecuador’s defence has been largely impenetrable. The South Americans regularly record scoreless draws, with seven during that run, including against Canada.
The All Whites kicked off the year with a 7-0 win over Fiji, followed by a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in March that booked their World Cup berth, but since then have not scored more than one goal in a game.
After three wins to begin 2025, including victory over the Ivory Coast in June, the All Whites then lost four in row and drew against Norway, before Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Colombia.
Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie playing against Canada.INDRAWAN KUMALA/AFP
What they are saying
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said his understrength squad were feeling the effects of the first game in the November international window before the Ecuador clash.
“Everybody’s got little bit of fatigue and a few knocks, but nothing too serious that would rule them out of the game,” he said. “We’ll make a couple of changes to freshen it up, and give ourselves some extra energy and legs, but we’ll balance that with consistency as well.”
Bazeley was looking for an improvement on the Colombia game.
“The challenge is that we go again and we become consistent, while improving as well in an attacking sense and defending, and keep building.
“Every game we’ve played in the last three windows, we’ve created chances. It’s something we’ve been trying to work on through the year… I think, at some stage, we are going to get three or four in a game.”
Attacking player Sarpreet Singh has returned to play regularly for the All Whites, after a long time out injured, and helped set up New Zealand’s goal on Sunday, but he has high standards for himself and the team.
“I’m pleased with how it’s going on the pitch. I still know that I can give a lot more and do a lot better.”
Squads
All Whites: Max Crocombe, Kees Sims, Nik Tzanev, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Francis de Vries, James McGarry, Storm Roux, Tommy Smith, George Stanger, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Owen Parker-Price, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić, Kosta Barbarouses, Andre de Jong, Eli Just, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine.
Ecuador: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Cristhian Loor, Angelo Preciado, Piero Hincapie, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Cristian Ramirez, Joel Ordonez, Jhoanner Chavez, Leonardo Realpe, Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Kendry Paez, Alan Minda, John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Yaimar Medina, Denil Castillo, Patrik Mercado, Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Leonardo Campana, Nilson Angulo, John Mercado, Jeremy Arevalo.
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Daniel Hillier has had an outstanding season on the DP World Tour.GIUSEPPE CACACE
Four leading Kiwi golfers have announced they’ll play in the New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort in February.
World-class talents Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori, PGA Tour Champions star Steven Alker, and Ben Campbell, who has come close to lifting the trophy, are returning.
Local favourite Ben Campbell returns with unfinished business, having recorded multiple podium finishes at the New Zealand Open.
“The New Zealand Open is the one we all want to win,” said Campbell. “I’ve had a few really good runs at it, and I’d love nothing more than to get across the line. Millbrook Resort is my home course, and the team always delivers a world-class event. Playing in front of the home crowd gives me that extra bit of drive.”
This week Alker, a standout on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit, only just missed out on a third Charles Schwab Cup title in four years.
He is once again making the journey back home to chase the championship.
“It’s always a privilege to come home and play in the New Zealand Open,” said Alker. “This event means a lot to all of us who’ve represented New Zealand around the world. It would mean the world to me to lift that trophy in front of my friends and family.”
Hillier returns to Queenstown following another outstanding season on the DP World Tour, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, and a top-five in Abu Dhabi.
His consistency across the year saw him finish 18th on the Race to Dubai rankings. A DP World Tour winner and Olympian, Hillier is currently New Zealand’s No.2-ranked male golfer.
“The New Zealand Open is always a highlight of the season. No matter where we are in the world or how busy the schedule gets, I always make time to come home and play this event. Competing in front of a home crowd, with family and friends around, is something you just can’t replicate. Winning the New Zealand Open is a massive goal for me,” Hillier said.
Kobori, who also competes on the DP World Tour, has confirmed his return after a rapid rise through the professional ranks.
Kobori won three times in the 2024/25 season to claim the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, and then delivered a superb rookie campaign on the DP World Tour that earned him a place at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
“Coming back to play the New Zealand Open is always special. I love being home, playing in front of our supporters, and competing alongside so many of New Zealand’s best golfers. It’s a tournament I’ve dreamed of winning for a long time, and I can’t wait to be back at Millbrook,” Kabori said.
Tournament Director Michael Glading said while the NZ Open was an internationally recognised event, having New Zealand’s best players on display was exciting.
The 105th New Zealand Open in Queenstown starts on the 26th February 2026.
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