In a major shift for New Zealand cricket, South African coach Rob Walter has been officially appointed as the head coach of the men’s national team across all three formats. The announcement follows the resignation of Gary Stead, who served in the role for seven years. Stead had already stepped away from limited-overs responsibilities in April and will complete his tenure as Test coach by the end of June 2025. This marks the beginning of a new chapter, with Walter at the helm as the Black Caps prepare for the next phase in their journey.
Walter, aged 49, brings a strong resume into the role, having most recently served as head coach of South Africa’s white-ball teams. Under his leadership, South Africa reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and were runners-up in the 2024 T20 World Cup. His success on the international stage has been widely acknowledged, making his move to New Zealand a significant gain for the Kiwis as they look to rebuild and refocus under new guidance.
This is not Walter’s first experience with New Zealand cricket. He previously worked within the country’s domestic circuit, coaching Otago and Central Districts, and was also part of the New Zealand A setup during their 2022 tour of India. His familiarity with the local cricketing culture and infrastructure is expected to ease the transition. By combining this knowledge with his international expertise, Walter is seen as a coach who can deliver both short-term results and long-term development.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has signed Walter to a contract that runs through to the 2028 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The organization has expressed full confidence in his leadership and strategic planning abilities. According to NZC’s top brass, the decision to bring in Walter was driven by his recent success with South Africa and his established rapport with many within New Zealand’s cricketing system.
The first assignment for Walter will be the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe in July 2025, which includes two Test matches and a T20 tri-series also involving South Africa. The series will be Walter’s initial opportunity to work with the full squad, assess key player combinations, and begin implementing his coaching philosophy. It also marks an emotional reunion, as he’ll face his former side, South Africa, in competitive action.
Walter has expressed gratitude for the opportunity and enthusiasm about taking on the new challenge. He acknowledged the high standards set by New Zealand over the past decade and stated his goal is to build upon that legacy. By focusing on consistency, youth development, and a winning mentality, Walter aims to elevate the Black Caps to even greater heights.
With the next cycle of international cricket featuring key events like the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2028 ODI World Cup, the role of head coach will be more crucial than ever. As Walter prepares to step into this demanding position, all eyes will be on how his vision and strategies shape the future of New Zealand cricket.