Mr Oakley was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Cricket Museum in 1987, building on the historical material inaugural curator Stanley Cowman had been collecting for many years. He became the first President of the National Cricket Museum Trust and continued to be a supporter of the New Zealand Cricket Museum after his tenure. In 2002, the JH Oakley Gallery was opened, celebrating Mr Oakley and his commitment to the New Zealand Cricket Museum.
Current New Zealand Cricket Museum Trust chairman, Conal McCarthy said the thoughts of all staff, volunteers, and board members of the Cricket Museum will be with the Oakley family at this sad time.
“On behalf of the New Zealand Cricket Museum, I wish to offer our condolences to the Oakley family.”
“John Oakley played a vital role in establishing the New Zealand Cricket Museum and continued to support it in the 26 years since. He will be remembered for the enormous contribution he made to cricket in this country across the board; from players to administrators to aiding in the preservation of the sport’s heritage here at the Museum,” said Mr McCarthy.
With Thanks To
