Turf expert's arrival enhances Bay Oval | Bay of Plenty Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Bay of Plenty

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If Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval wasn't already on the map as one of New Zealand's cricket grounds of the future, the arrival next month of internationally regarded turf expert Jared Carter will surely close the deal.

The Bay of Plenty Cricket Trust has pulled off a significant coup in securing the services of Carter in a fulltime capacity to further develop the Oval as a leading purpose-built cricket venue.

Christchurch-based Carter, the former curator of Wellington's Basin Reserve ground, has left his job as New Zealand Cricket's national turf manager to start at the Bay Oval on August 16.

Carter gave the Oval sign-off last year to stage domestic Twenty20 games, with 16,000 spectators packing the ground for three Northern Knights games in the HRV Cup.

Kelvin Jones, general manager of the BOP Cricket Trust, had been tasked with preparing the ground's wicket block and outfield, as well as spearheading the fundraising and development of the Oval's other facilities.

"We knew my role (as turf manager) wasn't sustainable and we needed to get someone permanent, although it's fair to say initially we thought we'd get someone the next level down - 2IC at another venue or a young up-and-comer we'd have to train.

"Jared's got a young family and his job at New Zealand Cricket was taking him on the road six months of the year.

"He was after a lifestyle change and what we've landed is someone with international credentials.

"It's a huge coup and certainly people in [New Zealand] cricket circles have been surprised to hear Jared Carter's moving to the Mount and the Bay Oval."

Tauranga City Council will fund for three years to maintain the three wickets and outfields at Blake Park and the Bay Oval gave the Trust the green light to employ Carter, although they were covering the financial shortfall themselves.

Carter spent two weeks at the Oval in 2008 assisting Bay Cricket to round off preparations and was back late last year to inspect the block.

One of his first jobs next month will be to rip up half the playing block, replacing the Waikare clay with more batsman-friendly Patumahoe.

Re-laying half the block with the pacier and bouncier clay would provide greater playing options.

"The wicket is everything and with Jared here we will be able to put a deck out that's better than our competition.

"Once we know we have a good wicket then that should enhance our international aspirations. Once we get the facilities to complement that then we should leapfrog a few other venues as well."

In another personnel coup for Bay of Plenty Cricket, Auckland-based coach Dave Richardson will move to the region next month to begin working with the area's high performance players.

Richardson, who was involved with the formative of Black Caps Daniel Vettori and Scott Styris, has been employed part-time as a high performance development coach, as well continuing his private coaching business.

Bay of Plenty Cricket general manager Dave Johnston said there was an aspect of forward planning in bringing Richardson south.

"James Pamment will continue as coach of the senior men's team, while also working with kids in the area that come under the Northern Districts banner."

Richardson would work to bring Bay's next tier of players up to speed.

"We're making good progress at the top level, but to ensure that continues it's important kids at 14, 15 and 16 are looked after."