Northern Districts have announced the appointment of Andy Connors as the new Umpire Manager to replace outgoing Kevin Earl.   The role which will see Connors responsible for training, mentoring and up-skilling the umpires and scorers within the association as well as overseeing initiatives to grow the number of qualified umpires and scorers.  Connors is a Level 4 umpire and was appointed to the Northern Districts Panel of Umpires in 2014.  Connors, a member of New Zealand Police, is currently a sergeant stationed as the Officer in Charge at Otorohanga and was a member of the New Zealand Police Cricket team from 1988-1994.

Cliff Dickeson, Cricket Development Officer for Northern Districts Cricket is pleased with the appointment of Andy Connors to the role saying "Andy's long history with cricket and his dedication to upskilling in umpiring makes him an ideal candidate to manage the umpires in our association.  I look forward to working with him this season.  I also wish to thank Kevin Earl for his outstanding service over the years and wish him well for his future endeavours."