At ORIX New Zealand, we’re proud to have been Canterbury Cricket’s fleet partner since 2021. It’s a relationship built on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the community.
Canterbury Cricket’s vision is clear: a game for all, a game for life. Their mission is to make cricket the most accessible sport in the region and their team works hard to make that happen. The organisation’s fleet of ORIX-managed vehicles play a big role in that mission. These vehicles are used by coaches and Game Development Officers (GDOs) who travel across the wider Canterbury region running junior cricket programmes in conjunction with schools and community groups - designed to get kids involved, having fun and getting active. With initiatives such as Girls Smash which encourages young girls to give cricket a try, and their All-Abilities programme which provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play and enjoy cricket, Canterbury Cricket supports all who want to participate.
A fleet ready for change
After a review of operational costs in 2024, it became clear that their existing fleet was no longer fit-for-purpose or cost-effective. There were more vehicles than required, with most being too small for the equipment staff needed to transport. Having older vehicles with rising maintenance costs also made the fleet unsustainable from a financial perspective.
The challenge was to create a leaner, smarter fleet that met the needs of the business, stayed within budget, and continued to support the vital community programmes that Canterbury Cricket delivers across the region.
Local support that makes a difference
With a dedicated South Island Account Management team, ORIX provides a personal and hands-on level of support to customers across the region. “This local presence is part of our wider commitment to supporting SMEs nationwide, including not-for-profit organisations like Canterbury Cricket,” says Dean Gomes, National Manager - Channel Relationships at ORIX. “The work they do encourages active lifestyles for young people and helps build stronger communities across the region.”
ORIX Account Manager Jorja Johnston, who led the initiative, was deeply invested in finding the right outcome. “I love working closely with our customers and finding solutions that make a tangible difference,” says Jorja. “Supporting Canterbury Cricket felt especially meaningful. I know how much value they bring to the community, so it was important that we delivered a fleet solution that met their unique needs.”
Creative thinking and collaborative solutions
Canterbury Cricket turned to ORIX and their Official Vehicle Sponsor, Morrison Mitsubishi, to help them find a solution. Understanding the pressures of operating within a community-based budget, we applied a collaborative and creative approach to come up with the right solution. ORIX’s team of fleet experts conducted an in-depth analysis and modelling exercise to help Canterbury Cricket look at their existing fleet and then identify the most efficient, fit-for-purpose vehicles for their new one. We worked collaboratively with them to explore every angle so they could come up with a solution which worked both operationally and financially.
The result was a reduced fleet of newer, safer vehicles including Mitsubishi Tritons and Eclipse Cross models, which were both well-suited to transporting coaching gear to schools and community events around the region.
Throughout this process, transparency and teamwork were key. ORIX worked in good faith with Canterbury Cricket and Morrison Mitsubishi to create a meaningful relationship, where each party was committed to achieving a great outcome.
“It was a genuine team effort,” says Richard Brewer, "Canterbury Cricket’s CEO. “ORIX and Morrison Mitsubishi worked with us, not just for us, thinking outside the box to find a sustainable solution that supports the work we do in the community.”
Tools to simplify fleet management
To help Canterbury Cricket manage their new fleet more effectively, ORIX also provided a suite of smart tools, including:
• ORIX DriverHQ Mobile App – providing quick access to vehicle details, preferred suppliers, and preferential pricing for servicing and maintenance
• ORIX Vehicle Inspection Tool – to track damage, wear and tear and make it easier to stay on top of fleet vehicle condition
• Fuel Cards – for simplified reporting and accurate odometer tracking to avoid excess kilometre charges
These tools have provided Canterbury Cricket greater visibility and control over their fleet, making it easier for them to operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
Collaborative partnerships driving great outcomes
At ORIX, we’re committed to building strong, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. Our partnership with Canterbury Cricket is about more than vehicles - it’s about supporting their mission to help people connect, stay active, and build stronger communities through sport.
We’re proud to have played a small part in helping Canterbury Cricket continue its mission to make cricket accessible to everyone. We’ve proven that when you combine strong relationships, innovative thinking, and shared purpose, great outcomes follow - on and off the field.
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