Cricket: Northland's 'most popular' finalist

Peter Barnett, middle, has been named as one of six finalists in the Specsavers Favourite Umpire competition.

A Kaitaia cricket umpire is in line to be named New Zealand's most popular on-field official in the Specsavers' Favourite Cricket Umpire competition.

Peter Barnett was last week named as one of the six finalists in the search for New Zealand's favourite cricket umpire, which invited nominations of amateur cricket umpires in a bid to reward those unsung heroes who give up their time to further club cricket.

The 52-year-old professional coach and sport co-ordinator admitted he was humbled and delighted by the nomination.

As a finalist, Barnett received two pairs of Specsavers glasses, a Kookabura bat signed by Black Caps BJ Watling, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill, and a double pass to an international cricket game. The overall winner receives a prize pack which includes a training session with a top Kiwi umpire and $1000 spending money.

Barnett's nomination was made by Paihia's Arshad 'Ali' Siddiqui, whose team also benefitted from a substantial fundraising grant earlier this year. Ali spoke highly of Barnett, a man he described as an umpire, mentor, coach and organiser.

"He knows the game like the back of his hand and motivates players to play fair and hard," Ali said. "When we started cricket through the Far North Cricket Association, there were hardly any teams. Today we have five senior teams competing in a tournament and I believe that's due to Peter - he brings the community together.

"I also hope some new Specsavers glasses help Peter to continue to make the correct decisions on the field, as he has been doing for a long time."

Barnett was also congratulated by Graeme Edmond, the director of the company behind the concept, who noted: "Amateur umpires are the driving force behind the success of grassroots cricket."

The Specsavers' New Zealand's Favourite Cricket Umpire grand prizewinner will be named next week and their prize will include a one-on-one training session with a high-profile New Zealand umpire, $1000 spending money, two tickets, travel and accommodation to the Black Caps vs India test at Eden Park and a "money can't buy experience" with four Black Caps for their local club.