Nelson Giants recruit cricket legend

The NBA had “the Mailman” Karl Malone, and now the cricketer known as “the Postman” has joined the NBL basketball ranks.

Gavin Larsen, who played more than 100 one day internationals for New Zealand in the 1990’s, has traded the white and red balls to sign on as the Nelson Giants’ commercial manager.

It turns out, while his career as a miserly bowler was taking off he also enjoyed following American basketball from afar.

“I really enjoyed watching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play and then the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. Magic Johnson going up against Michael Jordan,” enthuses Gavin.

A long time Wellington resident before his shift to Māpua eight years ago, he also used to go and watch the Saints play in the capital.

After playing in three successive world cups, Gavin moved seamlessly into cricket sponsorship with the National Bank and later became Wellington Cricket
chief executive.

“We didn’t have a commercial manager there, so I did a big chunk of that sort of work as well,” recalls the 62-year-old.

After trading windy Wellington for Māpua, Gavin became commercial manager for Nelson Cricket and chief executive of the Top of the South Community Foundation.

He also served as convenor of selectors for the Black Caps for seven years when they enjoyed plenty of success. Gavin resigned from that role in 2023 to become high performance director at one of English cricket’s major clubs, Warwickshire in
Birmingham.

“The first 18 months at the Bears were absolutely brilliant. Cricket pulses through my veins but it was time to come home. Moving to another code has refreshed me,” declares Gavin.

He’s certainly going to be busy.

“I am charged with powering up the organisation. Strategically, where do the Giants want to be in three to five years’ time. Driving new revenue schemes, bringing in sponsorship and piecing the match day experience together.”

Gavin also sees his role as taking off as much commercial weight as possible from Giants general manager and coach,
Michael Fitchett.

He is clearly up to speed with his new sport.

“The Giants are the only club which has been ever present since the league started in 1982. So, it has the history and tradition around town.”

As well as the roster and coaching staff, he is impressed with the Giants social media presence and performance.