Wellington Firebirds captain Nick Kelly has announced he will move on from Cricket Wellington following four outstanding seasons in the capital.

Kelly joined the Firebirds ahead of the 2022/23 season after making the move north from Otago and quickly established himself as one of the side’s most important players and leaders.

A classy left hander at the top of the order, Kelly became a consistent force across all three formats during his time in Wellington. Kelly was also a key member of the Firebirds side that claimed the Plunket Shield title during the 2023/24 season.

His performances with the Firebirds earned him both ODI and T20I selection for the BLACKCAPS, while in April this year he was handed the honour of captaining New Zealand in T20 cricket, becoming the nation’s 13th men’s T20 captain.

Kelly also opened the batting for the BLACKCAPS in three ODIs against Pakistan at the end of the 2024/25 season and made his T20I debut earlier this year during New Zealand’s series against South Africa.

Across four seasons with Wellington, Kelly amassed 2,292 First Class runs at an average of 41.73 and finished among the Firebirds leading Plunket Shield run scorers in each of his seasons with the side. His standout 2024/25 campaign saw him score 749 runs to finish as the competition’s leading overall run scorer.

In white ball cricket, Kelly scored 778 runs in the Super Smash and added a further 1,183 List A runs in the Ford Trophy.

“I want to say a massive thank you to Cricket Wellington for giving me some of the most special years of my career,” said Kelly.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to turn up to the Basin Reserve every day and call it home for the past four seasons.

“I have made friends here that I will have for life and Wellington will forever hold a special place in my heart.

“This environment gave me the opportunity to grow and achieve a lifelong dream of representing New Zealand, for which I will be forever grateful.”

Firebirds Head Coach Shane Jurgensen said Kelly’s influence on the group extended far beyond his performances on the field.

“A prolific run scorer for the Firebirds, he contributed with numerous match winning innings and in his role as white ball captain led from the front with his performances,” said Jurgensen.

“His invaluable experience in domestic cricket and now international cricket provided calmness and clarity for the playing group, support staff and for me personally it was a pleasure to work closely with him for the team.

“Nick will be missed and we wish him all the best in his move closer to home and family.”

General Manager High Performance Dave Wildash said Kelly leaves a lasting impact on the Firebirds environment.

“Nick sets consistently high standards, leads through his actions, and has built strong relationships across the Firebirds squad and staff,” said Wildash.

“These qualities were clearly reflected in his recent appointment as BLACKCAPS captain on the tour of Bangladesh.

“As well as his leadership, he is one of our premier batters and has delivered consistently at the top level for the Firebirds.

“While we’ll miss his leadership, presence and run scoring ability, everyone understands and fully supports his decision. We’re very grateful for everything he has contributed to the Firebirds over the past four years and the lasting impact he has had on the environment.

“We wish him and Phoebe all the best for what’s ahead at Northern Districts.”

Cricket Wellington would like to thank Nick for his immense contribution to the Firebirds both on and off the field and wish him and his family all the best for the future.

Article added: Monday 06 July 2026