Auckland
ONZM for cricket and basketball
New Zealand cricketing great Suzie Bates has shone at the top of the White Ferns order for decades, but she has never forgotten who inspired her to dream so big.
The prolific athlete, who is the leading New Zealand women’s run-scorer in ODIs with 5982 runs and T20Is with 4720 runs, has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours.
‘‘It is hard to put into words what this award means,’’ Miss Bates said, in an email.
‘‘Throughout my life I have been so inspired by great New Zealanders doing amazing things on the world stage and representing my country has been the most amazing and memorable experience.
‘‘I feel very lucky to have been able to do it for so long, but to be recognised in this manner reminds me how much I have contributed to the sport over a long period of time.
‘‘It will be a very proud moment for me and my family and all the people that have supported me along this journey.’’
Growing up in Dunedin, she had many great role models, she said.
‘‘People like Donna Loffhagan [now Wilkins] and Alison Shanks [now Palmer] showed me what was possible to do as a female athlete in Dunedin.
‘‘I had some great mentors and coaches that helped me for no financial reward when women's sport was in its amateur era.
‘‘The late John Paul and Mike Shrimpton, alongside Warren Lees, gave up their time and energy to help a young girl from Dunedin to reach their dreams and I will be forever grateful for their guidance and support.
‘‘My mum and dad allowed me to pursue every goal and dream I had and their unconditional support through the highs and lows has provided the most stable, grounding and supportive home that has allowed me to keep going alongside my siblings.’’
Miss Bates (Ngāi Tahu) debuted for the White Ferns in 2006 and was captain from 2011-18.
During her 20-year international career, she has won various awards, including the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year titles, player of the tournament at the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup and was named Wisden’s leading female cricketer in 2015.
‘‘As a cricketer, it has never been about the stats or records.
‘‘I just want people to remember the team-mate that I was and that every day I turned up and competed to the best of my ability and gave my all ... while trying to make others around me feel 10-feet tall and invincible.’’
Miss Bates, who announced she will retire from international cricket following the World Cup, also played for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
She has been a Sport New Zealand ‘‘balance is better’’ champion since 2023, promoting positive youth sport environments.
She supports leadership initiatives for teenage girls in Otago and has participated in the New Zealand Olympic committee school outreach programme since 2008.
