One of the Black Sticks' finest goalkeepers, Kyle Pontifex, has drawn the curtain on his international career.
The Wellingtonian has decided it is time to switch focus to his work career along with dedicating more time to his young family.
Pontifex (36) made his debut against Malaysia in 2001 and represented New Zealand in 176 tests.
He protected the cage at three Olympic Games (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012), two Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010) and two World Cups (Monchengladbach 2006, Delhi 2010).
''I think its a pretty natural decision. I've been playing for a long time and it's about time I move on with life,'' he said.
''I've got a career at ANZ to continue, an MBA [Master of Business Administration] to finish and a wife and two young kids who would love to see a bit more of me.''
Pontifex took a lengthy hiatus from the international scene following the London 2012 Olympics but made a comeback last year and enjoyed working under head coach Colin Batch.
While he missed selection for this year's Rio Olympic Games, Pontifex said he had absolutely no regrets.
''I certainly don't regret making a comeback last year and really enjoyed my time with a new crop of players. Hopefully, my experience and what I offered in the squad environment played a part in helping the guys in Rio.
''Playing at the 2011 Champions Trophy at home in Auckland was the highlight of my career. To be part of an event of that calibre on home soil was amazing and one I'll never forget.''
Over 15 years playing for New Zealand, he saw the game of hockey change a great deal, especially on a positional level as a goalkeeper.
''The biggest change has been in the equipment. Back in 2001 a lot of players were still using wooden sticks and carbon ones were only just being developed.
''The speed the ball travels now is incredible compared to back then and, as a goalkeeper, you need to be really on to it from penalty corners with players who have made an art of flicking at high speeds.''
While this is the end of his international career, Pontifex still plans to play club hockey and remain in contention for his regional representative side, the Capital Cobras.
Black Sticks head coach Colin Batch thanked Pontifex for his professional and mature approach to the game.
''Kyle returned to the squad last year in preparation for Rio and straight away his level of professionalism was evident. He brought a maturity and honesty to the squad which we valued highly.''
