Central Districts Cricket has a longstanding tradition of donating cricket clothing and equipment to Vanuatu Cricket Association, to support participation and growth in the Melanesian island nation.

This year, CD was proud to partner with our eight District Associations and NZC to grow the relationship even further - jointly making a direct financial contribution to assist the Community game in Vanuatu as well as donating gently used Community cricket gear worth 500,000 Vatu (almost $7,000).

It means schools in Port Vila and elsewhere on Santo, as well as on the island of Tanna, can access quality, age-appropriate equipment that helps the youngsters to play safely. 

 

The relationship between CDCA and Vanuatu Cricket began in 2011, as part of a formal partnership scheme with the ICC and the East Asia Pacific regional development programme.

 

Each of six New Zealand Major Associations was paired with an EAP country in a supportive relationship.

 

Retired CD Community Manager Nigel Brooke has been involved from the outset, and has forged strong friendships in the Vanuatu cricketing community after several visits to help on the ground with aspects like coach and umpire development.

Nigel Brooke (right) grew CD's strong links with Vanuatu Cricket

Brooke continues to volunteer, and personally manages the freighting of donated gear up to Vanuatu as a project close to his heart.

 

CD Cricket Manager, Community and Capability Aidan O'Connor said it was a "no-brainer" to continue a goodwill programme that enhances the game for so many young players in Vanuatu and diverts any redundant gear from landfill.

Vanuatu Cricket meanwhile says it's been a “significant boost” to development in the game locally. 

 

 

Said VCA Development Manager Pierre Chilia, “Receiving donations of gear such as this [including plastic stumps and bats] increases the growth of cricket in Vanuatu by providing our young cricketers with the opportunity to play cricket safely and at a higher standard.” 

Chilia was the first employee of Vanuatu Cricket Association in 2000, and in that time he has seen the sport in schools and the broader Vanuatu community grow to more than 20,000 people experiencing cricket each year.

That creates a constant need for Community equipment like the gear all set to go in the images on this page.

 

 

Vanuatu Cricket said CD’s latest donation “will be instrumental in expanding cricket’s reach, and fostering the next generation of talent.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CD Cricket.”

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Article added: Friday 6 June 2025