NZ cricket mourns death of legendary all-rounder
avoid stress but also take time to ensure the fit is right, so it won’t impede the animal’s movements.’’
The new arrivals will be released alongside another nine lizards previously transferred and housed on the island in a large open pen – a method termed a ‘‘soft-release’’.
Monks said previously penned animals don’t travel far once the pen is removed compared to new arrivals which could disperse widely. ‘‘Ideally we want them to stick together. Otherwise, some individuals may disperse too far and be unable to find each other again and contribute to a breeding population.’’
The lizards will be tracked nightly for six weeks. A total of 49 ngahere geckos have been transferred to the pest-free island as part of a three-year project to rehome them from Wellington’s Belmont Quarry. New Zealand has more than 110 species of geckos and skinks – almost half of which are threatened – and Mana Island boasts eleven species of native lizards. BEVAN Congdon, the man who led New Zealand to their first ever test cricket win over arch-rivals Australia in 1974, has died one day short of his 80th birthday.
Congdon was one of New Zealand’s finest all-rounders, scoring seven centuries in 61 tests and taking 59 wickets over a 13-year test career.
Congdon, who represented Canterbury, Central Districts, Otago and Wellington, continued contributing to the game well after his retirement, featuring on the New Zealand selection panel in the late 1990s.
NZC chief executive David White said Congdon’s passing marked a sad day for cricket.
"Bevan was at the centre of the New Zealand team at a time it started gaining attention on the international cricket scene for the all the right reasons – in no small part due to his leadership and ability," White said.
"He’s left a real legacy in terms of putting New Zealand cricket on the map, and I know the wider cricketer family – not just in New Zealand but worldwide, will be mourning his loss."
"Bevan played in a largely amateur era for New Zealand cricketers and made great sacrifices for the good of the game here," New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills said.
"He wasn’t only relevant to his peers and team-mates, but to everyone since who’s been inspired by his exploits, and boosted by his willingness to help.
Congdon is survived by his wife Shirley; his daughters Ali and Sandy, and grand-children Matthew, Joshua, Lily and Reeves.