Suzie Bates was honoured for her achievements in the game at a test match dinner on Wednesday night.
One of the world's best players in the women's game over the past decade, the 29-year-old has played her entire career with Otago, having debuted for the province aged 15.
Warren Lees, Mike Hesson, Katey Martin and Sarah Tsukigawa spoke with MC Craig Cumming of Bates' achievements. All have had played big parts in Bates' career as either coaches or teammates.
The dinner is an annual event, each one focusing on someone Otago Cricket sees as a great of the game in the province. Past figures to be recognised include Iain Gallaway, Warren Lees, Stephen Boock and Glenn Turner.
Otago Cricket chief executive Mike Coggan said it was a good time to honour Bates, even though she was still in the middle of her career.
''Especially in a year where we're trying to grow and promote the women's side of the game, it made sense with Suzie. She's not yet at the twilight stage of her career, but she's probably one of the world's greatest ever cricketers.
''So it was an opportunity for us to have a tribute to her success at national and international level.''
He said she had been humbled when told of the award but was keen to be involved in the evening.
While her playing career had been impressive, Coggan believed her impact off the field had been just as important.
''As part of NZC funding a couple of years ago, she was a development officer. She had a huge impact on the number of female cricketers that have started coming through the school system.
''Her role, we can't underestimate it in any way, shape or form. It's been significant in terms of cricket's promotion in the grass-roots side of the game through principally schools, but also clubs, for years.''
A White Fern since 2006, she has played 98 one-day internationals and 87 twenty20 internationals, and has captained the side since 2011.
She has an ODI average of 41.08 with the bat while having taken 72 wickets at an average of 30.79 with the ball. In T20s, she averages 27.00 with the bat and has taken 47 wickets at 22.97.
She is consistently ranked with the best in the world batting rankings and is at present fifth in the all-rounder rankings in both formats.
A talented athlete, Bates played basketball for New Zealand and attended the 2008 Olympics. In 2011 she decided to focus on cricket after being named White Ferns captain.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond also spoke at the dinner.
- By Jeff Cheshire
