New Zealand head coach Gary Stead will leave his role at the end of the month when his contract expires.

Stead, who began his time in charge in August 2018, had stated his desire to quit as coach of the one-day international and T20 sides and yet continue with the test side.

But New Zealand Cricket have outlined their desire to appoint a new head coach across all three formats of the game, thus ending Stead’s seven-year spell at the helm.

His tenure was a successful one, as he guided New Zealand to victory in the first-ever edition of the World Test Championship, defeating India at Lords’ in 2021.

He also masterminded the side's first-ever series win in India as they completed a 3-0 sweep in November 2024 - India's first Test series loss at home for 12 years.

There was also success in the limited-overs game, with Stead taking the side to finals at the 2019 World Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2024 Champions Trophy.

In a statement following the news, Stead said: "There's been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans.

"For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game.

"It's been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I'd like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the Black Caps are a team that won't fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete."

News | Gary Stead’s highly successful seven years in charge of the BLACKCAPS will officially conclude when his contract finishes at the end of this month. Story | https://t.co/vCp1Fm7rtQ pic.twitter.com/1NmYTxjuas

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 4, 2025

He took charge of a total of 268 matches across all formats with 147 wins, 100 losses, six draws, six ties and nine matches with no result.

Kane Williamson, the former New Zealand captain and a key component of Stead’s side, praised his former coach and said he leaves a lasting legacy.

"There was no one more hard-working and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed," said Williamson.

"He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."