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'Considerably gratifying': Jeremy Coney headlines NZ Cricket Hall of Fame inductees
Sport Nation • March 25th, 2026 10:43 am
Jeremy Coney | Photo: Photosport
Former New Zealand captain Jeremy Coney has been inducted into the New Zealand Cricket Hall of Fame, recognised for his pivotal role in shaping one of the nation’s most successful eras.
Coney, who led New Zealand through its first “Golden Era” in the 1980s, becomes one of the first additions since the Hall’s inaugural “First Eleven” was unveiled last year.
He is joined by former White Ferns captain and allrounder extraordinaire Haidee Tiffen.
Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most courageous and astute leaders, Coney captained the side to a trio of historic Test series wins across 1985 and 1986 - defeating Australia home and away, and England in England for the first time.
Across 52 Tests, he scored 2668 runs at an average of 37.57, including three centuries, while also contributing with the ball and in the field, where he was renowned as a near-flawless slip catcher.
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Among his defining moments was an unbeaten 174 against England at the Basin Reserve in 1984, rescuing New Zealand from a 244-run deficit, and a match-winning century against Pakistan in Dunedin the following year.
Coney transitioned into a successful post-retirement career as a broadcaster, which includes spearheading Sport Nation's award-winning radio commentary team.
Reflecting on the honour, Coney said his journey from backyard cricket in Wellington to the international stage made the recognition “considerably gratifying”.
"It’s been fun and a challenge," Coney said.
"That this range of feelings through good times and bad, competing hard as part of a team, might result in my inclusion alongside those I have admired is a little beyond my expectations yet considerably gratifying."
Smithy and Coney recall dropping catches off Sir Richard Hadlee's bowling | Sport Nation
Tiffen’s inclusion recognises one of the finest all-round careers in New Zealand women’s cricket. Debuting as a teenager in 1999, she went on to make 128 international appearances, including 53 as captain, and was a key figure in the White Ferns’ 2000 World Cup triumph on home soil.
An elite all-rounder, Tiffen was known for her consistency with both bat and ball, highlighted by a standout 2009 World Cup campaign where she topped the tournament’s run-scoring charts and led New Zealand to the final. She was also shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Year in 2006.
Haidee Tiffen | Photo: Photosport
“As a young girl from Timaru, representing New Zealand was always a dream," said Tiffen.
“Cricket has given me so much, incredible friendships, challenges, and memories that will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful to the game and everyone who supported me along the way.”
The Hall of Fame — a partnership between New Zealand Cricket, the Players Association and the New Zealand
Cricket Museum — aims to celebrate the country’s greatest players and preserve their legacy for future generations.
Coney and Tiffen will be formally recognised at the New Zealand Cricket Awards on Thursday.
Jeremy Coney gets himself all tangled | Sport Nation Cricket
