Central Districts Stags is a leading squad among the 6 first class cricket teams which constitute the NZ Cricket. Based in central NZ, the team represents 3 regions on North Island, some parts of Wellington Region & 2 regions from South Island. It was founded in the year 1950 and black, green & gold are the three colors of the team. Central Districts Stags was the 5th squad to compete at Plunket Shield and it debuted in the competition in 1950-51. The Stags is comprised of 8 district associations in Wanganui, Wairarapa, Taranaki, Nelson, Marlborough, Manawatu, Horowhenua-Kapiti & Hawke’s Bay.
The Stags competes in domestic 1 day Ford Trophy competition and T20 HRV Cup competition added to Plunket Shield. Kruger Van Wyk is the current captain of the team while Heinrich Malan is the team coach. Napier based McLean Park is the primary home ground for the team while it also occasionally plays at Pukekura Park, Saxton Park and Fitzherbert Park. Some of the most notable stars from the squad are Jamie How, Ross Taylor, Doug Bracewell, Tarun Nethula, Peter Trego etc. The Stags has won the Shell Trophy 9 times and the Ford Trophy 4 times as well as the HRV Cup twice.