Izzy Gaze, the 21-year-old wicket keeper for the New Zealand White Ferns, is a long-time North Shore resident. We talked to Izzy about the origins of her love for the game and the importance of a supportive community.

A sports-loving child

For many sports-loving kids, there’s a family in the background helping make it happen, ferrying them to practices and games and giving advice about juggling homework and sports commitments. For Izzy, it was mum and dad, Karen Morgans and Andrew Gaze, who played that vital role and were a constant source of encouragement. “I tried all sorts of sports; hockey, rugby, tennis and basketball, as well as cricket, and mum and dad supported me to give everything a go.”

North Shore schools also had a positive influence. Izzy remembers being given much encouragement and opportunity. “Campbells Bay School offered such a range of sports, and everybody could have a try.” Very appealing to a child who wanted to attempt almost everything! Her first memory of playing a great game of cricket? John McGowan, principal at Campbells Bay School, would play cricket with the children at lunchtimes during summer, and this casual and fun format helped to build Izzy’s love for the game.

Multiple sports develop a variety of skills

Cricket had competition for Izzy’s attention. In those early years, she played rugby and hockey in winter, and tennis and cricket in summer, with hockey as her main priority. Today’s cricket commentators will sometimes mention Izzy’s hockey background. “They can see something different in the batting style of a cricketer who has played a lot of hockey,” she says. Izzy’s New Zealand cricket player profile describes this as her “inventive batting style.” Her fast reactions as a wicket-keeper may also owe something to her many years playing tennis.

“I think playing lots of different sports has been a big contributor to the cricketer I am today. Every sport you’ve played can contribute a little something in skill to your game.”

At 12 years old, Izzy was selected for her first premier cricket team at Takapuna District Cricket Club. This was a turning point after which cricket took centre stage.

Club and school support

Izzy is extremely thankful for the opportunities her schools and clubs on the North Shore provided. Her 13-year-long connection with TDCC started when she was just eight years old and played in their Mini Hearts competition. Her coach, Damian Cancare, ensured the primary focus for the young players was on enjoying the games. Izzy is very proud that TDCC recently won Club of the Year for both the Auckland region and the national award.  “I think one way that Takapuna stands out is their focus and investment in juniors, such as the Kookaburra Cup.”

Kristin School also assisted Izzy in reaching her sports goals. As a high-achieving sportsperson, she often needed to be out of class. Her teachers were both flexible and understanding, enabling her to fulfil all the educational requirements while using every spare minute she could find for extra cricket training.

The path to professional cricketer

Early on, Izzy realised the appeal of wicket-keeping. “I figured out that the wicket-keeper is involved with every ball that’s bowled. You never get bored!” Her desire to be the best she could be led her parents to engage Rebecca Rolls, a former White Ferns wicket-keeper, for one-on-one training in keeping and batting. Rebecca was an early role model for Izzy, who also admired the legendary skills of cricketer Suzy Bates, whom she now gets to play alongside.

Izzy was offered a domestic contract for the Auckland Hearts when she was 15 years old. The offer demonstrated the talent and potential Auckland Cricket saw in her, and it prompted her to think about a future in the sport. “It made me realise that there was a pathway available to me in cricket, that it was possible for my career to be as a professional cricket player.”

The rewards of being a White Fern

The White Ferns contract followed in 2022 when Izzy was 18 and brought both new opportunities and rewards. “The first thing I think of is the friendships. I’ve made the best friends.”

Being a White Fern has also given Izzy more time to hone her skills now that she can work full-time on training and development, with the advanced support and resources that a professional team environment can provide. There have also been wonderful trips; Izzy has been to England, India, Sri Lanka, Australia and the Caribbean with the White Ferns. “Although it’s not a holiday, you're busy training and playing games, it’s still been amazing to learn about different cultures, and to play in different climates and experience different facilities.”

In 2022 came the thrill of playing at the Commonwealth Games, where she became the third youngest player to represent New Zealand in T20s, and the team went on to win the bronze medal. “That was my first tour with the White Ferns. It was something I had never dreamed was a possibility as a kid playing cricket – going to the Commonwealth Games and winning a medal.”

Later that year, Izzy earned her first ODI cap against the West Indies, and in 2024, played in the New Zealand team that won the T20 World Cup.

What’s next?

Izzy is looking forward to the White Ferns upcoming England Tour starting 10 May (with three ODIs and three T20s). This will be followed by the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, starting 13 June, also in England, where they will be defending the cup. There will be some special fans attending the games. “A lot of families and friends will come over to support us, and we also get great support in the crowd from Kiwis living in the UK who come to watch us play.”

Back in New Zealand, there will also be many fans, family and friends watching and backing the team – especially in the local communities each player hails from. For us on the North Shore, we will be cheering for Izzy, whether she’s batting inventively or using those fast reactions in her wicket-keeping.