Normally, Boock, a PR and crisis management specialist, handles media inquiries and responses on behalf of NZ Cricket. <\/p>\n
Today, he finds himself in the unaccustomed position of being the story after his email to staff was leaked to the Herald.<\/p>\n
Boock told staff in that email that \u201cstepping away\u201d had been \u201cone of the hardest decisions I\u2019ve had to make\u201d. It was a \u201csad\u201d decision and \u201ca wrench to have to leave\u201d, he wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have enormous respect and admiration for you all; the dedication, the expertise, and the genuine care you bring to your roles every single day. It\u2019s been a privilege to work alongside you.\u201d<\/p>\n
But he also went on to outline his view of the board.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you\u2019re aware, I\u2019ve deliberately avoided describing the reason for my departure as being \u2018not aligned\u2019 with the board, because I think this sounds like a disagreement over policy or strategy. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy concern is simpler and more fundamental: I\u2019ve lost confidence in the board\u2019s integrity. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, trust is everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boock referred all comment on Friday afternoon back to NZ Cricket. <\/p>\n
NZ Cricket chairwoman Diana Puketapu-Lyndon and NZ Cricket interim chief executive Graham Parks were approached for comment.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Friday evening, an NZC spokesman confirmed Boock had terminated his contract and would finish on July 3.<\/p>\n
The statement did not address specific Herald questions about Boock\u2019s comments about the board. \u201cWe note your specific questions raised and our position is that we don\u2019t comment on internal matters publicly,\u201d said the spokesman.<\/p>\n
The statement also said: \u201cRichard has worked with NZC for more than 13 years and has made a significant contribution to the organisation and to cricket in New Zealand during that time. He leaves with NZC\u2019s genuine gratitude and best wishes.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an earlier email to district associations on Friday afternoon, Parks also said Boock had made a significant contribution to cricket in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis knowledge of the game, his skill as a communicator, and the relationships he has built across the cricket community have been highly valued throughout his time with the organisation,\u201d said Parks\u2019 email, which was also leaked to the Herald.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of NZC, I would like to thank Richard for his professionalism, commitment and contribution, and wish him every success for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink. Photo \/ Alan Lee<\/p>\n
NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink departed the organisation earlier this year.<\/p>\n
He was effectively chased from the role after a falling out with NZC\u2019s six major associations (Northern Districts, Auckland, Central Districts, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago) and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, specifically over their push and support for the breakout, private franchise T20 competition.<\/p>\n