Black Caps batting coach Luke Ronchi is stepping down from the national side to take up a job across the Tasman.
The former NZ wicketkeeper, who also played internationally for Australia, has been appointed head coach of Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Big Bash League.
Ronchi will stay on with the national team for the upcoming India tour of New Zealand in October and November, joining the Renegades at the conclusion of that series.
The 45-year-old, who took on the Black Caps coaching role in 2020, helped steer the side through one of the most successful chapters in the team's history, including the inaugural ICC World Test Championship win in 2021, two ICC Men's T20 World Cup final appearances in 2021 and 2026, the historic 3-0 away test-series win against India in 2024.
The recent 2-1 away test-series win against England in June is also among the highlights.
Black Caps test captain Tom Latham spoke highly of Ronchi's time with the side.
"He's such a valued member of this group, certainly when he was playing, but also after he transitioned into the coaching space too, so it's disappointing to be losing a guy like Ronchs. He's someone who understands the environment and culture of this group, and is a huge driver of that.
"I think you could talk to most guys and they'd agree everyone's game has gone from strength to strength under his guidance. He's always been someone who's worked incredibly hard for the team and that effort shows out in the middle."
The departing Ronchi expressed his immense gratitude for the opportunity with the national side.
"Coming back to the national set-up has been a dream come true for me, and I'm immensely grateful to my fellow coaches and the players for the opportunity to work alongside them for all these years.
"It has always been my goal to try and help this team and the batters perform at the highest level, and reflecting back, there have been some pretty memorable moments that I'm proud to have been part of. I'll be watching very closely and wish everyone all the very best with what's to come in the future."
NZ Cricket said a decision on Ronchi's replacement would be made in due course.
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