That mediation, the Herald understands, took place yesterday, and was scheduled for a second day, before the confirmation of Weenink’s resignation.
Last month, RNZ reported Weenink was said to be “fighting for his survival” in his role, amid a political power struggle over the future shape of the domestic game and a bid by a private consortium to establish a new T20 franchise competition.
The Herald understands that while the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand had been a flashpoint for Weenink’s tenure with NZC, it is not the sole contributing factor to his departure.
It is understood that tensions between Weenink and New Zealand’s six Major Associations – Auckland, Northern Districts, Wellington, Central Districts, Canterbury and Otago – has been what a source described as “at breaking point” for some time.
Earlier this year, Weenink and NZC led a strategic initiative known as “project alignment” that would have seen a streamlining of the way the business of the game is run, which drew major pushback from the Major Associations.
In March, NZC and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association were involved in a nasty dispute over players’ image rights.
Recently, with NZC commissioning consultancy firm Deloitte to review the best path forward for T20 cricket in New Zealand.
While the Major Associations are known to favour one option – known as the NZ20 – which would see private overseas investment come into the domestic game, Weenink was understood to want to see the review process play out in full.
That difference in want for domestic T20 has been acknowledged by Weenink in his stepping down.
“I have advised the board that I will step down as CEO of New Zealand Cricket on January 30, 2026,” he said in a statement.
“After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several Member Associations, and the CPA, on the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the best role for T20 cricket in New Zealand. Given these differences, I believe it is in the best interests of the organisation that new leadership takes NZC forward from here.”
Weenink, who was initially a corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions lawyer, came into the role with executive and governance experience in the funds management, financial services, private equity, telecoms/technology, infrastructure and sports industries.
He will return to the role of executive chair of Xceda Group, subject to regulatory approvals, in the new year.
“It has been a privilege to lead NZC, and I am proud of what the organisation has achieved in the past two and a half years. We have delivered exceptional results on and off the field, including record financial performances and the signing of long-term broadcast agreements with Sky and Sony. Our people have driven a culture of strong engagement and commitment, and NZC is now in a strong financial position,” he added.
“While I am saddened to leave after such a successful period, I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders. I depart with pride in the excellent progress made by NZC during my time as CEO, and confidence in the people in NZC who will carry the game forward.”
Weenink has not been present at any of the Black Caps’ test matches this summer, against the West Indies in Christchurch, Wellington and Tauranga.