10 Jun 2025The staff, members and Board have been saddened by the passing of Gerald Bailey on Thursday, 5 June 2025. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Gerald made a massive contribution to Northern Districts Cricket. A highly respected Hamilton lawyer with a passion for cricket, his service to ND extended over 30 years. In his time he saw ND transition from a volunteer-run organisation in the amateur era to a professional sporting body.
Gerald started his administrative involvement with ND as Secretary in 1975. He served in that role until 1981, when he stepped up to become Chairman of the Board. He acted as Chairman from 1982 until 1989. He continued to serve as a Board member and in 1986 was elected President, remaining in that role until stepping down in 2005. Gerald also served as ND’s representative on the NZ Cricket Board from 1986 until 1990. He was awarded Life Membership of ND in 2004.
Gerald’s legal acumen was a great asset for ND in his 30 years of service, especially in negotiating sponsorships and dealing with the Hamilton Council and NZ Cricket in the process of establishing Seddon Park as an international venue.
Until the appointment of John Turkington as CEO in1984 ND was completely run by volunteers. Volunteers would continue to play a vital role until the early 21st century. Gerald, together with Dave Hoskin and Ian Leggatt, put in countless hours at Seddon Park helping prepare the park for first-class cricket.
After his retirement from the ND Board, Gerald continued his involvement by acting as Code of Conduct Commissioner for ND, dealing with players who had been cited by umpires or match managers for misdemeanours during first class or District Association representative games. Gerald’s incisive mind and legal background meant players were thoroughly and fairly dealt with.
Gerald also served a period as Chancellor of the University of Waikato and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University. For his contribution to the wider community, he was made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order [QSO] in 2002.
