General Manager - Jake Inwood
Jake Inwood joined Nelson Cricket in May 2024, after returning to Nelson having lived here from 2000 to 2009.
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University of Wellington, Inwood took up a role with Wellington Hockey as their Finance Officer. During his tenure at Wellington Hockey, Inwood developed a number of key skills which would enable him to embark on a career in sports administration.
Inwood brings with him a wealth of experience in the sport and recreation sector, having served as the Chief Executive of Croquet New Zealand for five years, as well as General Manager of Hockey Manawatu before returning to Nelson. In addition to his work, Inwood has also served on a number of regional sport organisation Boards, including Athletics Wellington and Badminton Wellington.
While he freely admits hockey was his ‘main’ sport growing up, he did play cricket during his school years and has been a regular attendee at Saxton Oval while back over the Christmas period.
“I am excited to be back in Nelson, and have the opportunity to support the Nelson Cricket community to continue to grow and provide opportunities in our sport for everyone in the Nelson / Tasman region” said Inwood.
Random Facts:
Favourite colour – Blue
Favourite sport to watch – Football (American)
Favourite Cricket experience – Playing social T20 in Wellington with the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club Cobras. A great blend of cricket and social / fun.
Director of Community Cricket - Dustin Emms-Healey
Dustin Emms-Healy has been with Nelson Cricket since 2020. Emms-Healy’s involvement with Nelson Cricket began as a coach, while also holding the role of Junior Co-ordinator for his Club, Wakatu Cricket Club, and has now evolved into him holding the role of Director of Community Cricket.
Emms-Healy brings with him a wealth on cricket knowledge, passion, and energy to help energise and excite the next generation of cricketers and support the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
“It is my passion to create safe places for people to play cricket & become the best version of themselves” said Emms-Healy.
Still playing at a high level, you will find Dustin suiting up for Wakatu Cricket Club in the Premier grade. As is his prowess behind the stumps, Emms-Healy was recognised with the Ken Wadworth Trophy for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in the Premier grade in 2023-24.
With proud Maori heritage, Emms-Healy has been instrumental in the resurgence of Maori Cricket, and in particular the Te Tau Iha Maori XI. In addition to this, he has also represented Central Districts as a player for the Tane XI as well as the Head Coach for the Wahine XI (who won the Domestic Maori Cricket tournament in 2024).
Random Facts:
Favourite colour – Blue or Grey
Favourite sport to watch – UFC or Cricket
Favourite Cricket experience – CD Tane Maori Tournament 2024
Community Training & Development Lead
Jay Irving joined Nelson Cricket in 2023-24 in the newly created role of Community Training & Development Lead, with a focus on improving the coach development opportunities in Nelson.
However, Irving was not new to the Nelson cricket scene, having been involved in coaching in the region for almost a decade. Over the past two years, Irving has stepped in to the Head Coach role for the Nelson Nyxons, as well as Head Coach for the Central District’s U17 Female team.
In addition to his coaching, Irving has also be instrumental in the running of Waimea Toi Toi United Cricket Club, as their President for the past 4 years.
“I have a passion for the development and progression of players and coaches and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming season” said Irving.
Random Facts:
Favourite colour – Blue
Favourite sport to watch – All sports
Favourite Cricket experience – Win against Hawkes Bay (Nyxons) and getting involved in the female space.
