Kiwi amateur cricket umpires are the driving force behind the success of our favourite summertime sport, working tirelessly in their communities to support club cricket.
To reward these unsung heroes, Specsavers and New Zealand Cricket are launching a nationwide competition in search of New Zealand's favourite local cricket umpire.
New Zealand international cricket umpire and ICC elite panel umpire Billy Bowden, who attended Tauranga Boys College, says he knows first-hand the time and energy that goes into being a local cricket umpire.
"It's an amazing privilege to be involved with the young cricketers that are coming through the ranks," Bowden said.
"This competition is all about recognising those umpires that go the extra mile and I know there are plenty out there.