Former New Zealand Cricket national coaching director, John Howell, passed away on November 10th 2010 after a short illness. He was 67.
John took up the position in 1984 and continued to work with NZC until 2003. During his tenure he was instrumental in the implementation of a national player talent identification programme, the creation of the New Zealand Cricket Coaches Association and he was heavily involved in the development of high performance coaches.
He was also a domestic player for Central Districts. He played in the Plunket Shield competition between 1966/67 to 1972/73, where he helped the Stags to three championship titles. He was a handy right-arm medium pace bowler and took 82 wickets during his 34 match career. John also played five One-Day games for Central Districts between 1970/71 and 1972/73.
After he moved on from New Zealand Cricket he created the Howell Cricket Academy based in Tauranga. The academy stood by the belief that everybody deserves a chance at receiving coaching. The academy has programmes in place through the Charitable Trust to ensure that all including the underprivileged receive quality coaching.
John is also the father of two ex first-class cricketers in former BLACKCAP Llorne Howell and the younger Glynn Howell. John and his son’s represented five of the six domestic provinces in New Zealand.
Condolences can be sent to John’s wife Merline at 137 Princess Road, Bellevue, Tauranga 3110.
