"It's sort of set up for the longer form of the game and, who knows, one day we might get a test match up here."
The match continues Whangarei's tradition of hosting an international fixture after both Zimbabwe and England turned out for one-day and Twenty20 matches in the last two years.
Marr said bidding for the match happened before he took over from Gary Bell as general manager, adding that it proved Northland could host such teams at an adequate venue.
"Before I took over, Northland Cricket were asked to submit an expression of interest, with many others I guess, and then I got a phone call about 10 days ago asking if we were still interested. And, I said, 'Yes, of course'.
"Obviously with the successes we've had here in the past it was nice to be asked again. We've got some major developments with new trees and more shade over the next few months."
Also coming to Northland this summer are two first-class Plunket Shield matches, which will see the Northern Knights, Northland's affiliate team, take on Otago and Wellington.
While Marr said the matches are positives, he says Northland Cricket's focus is turning to grassroots level.
"The real focus for us is the community and grassroots cricket, as per our strategic plan. We've invested so much money in these youngsters [it's time to see some return].
"We've got some fantastic coaches who get out to a lot of schools, so hopefully over the next few years you'll see some youngsters winning some trophies."
International and first-class matches at Cobham Oval this summer:
December 4-7, Northern Knights v Otago Volts; February 2-3, New Zealand v India; February 16-19, Northern Knights v Wellington Firebirds.
