New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson has extended his contract with New Zealand Cricket for two years after next year’s World Cup.

Hesson, who coached Otago for six years and also had a stint with the Kenyan national side, says he is keen to continue to develop the young players coming through to the top level.

“It’s a really exciting time for the sport with the World Cup at home, our senior players performing well and a promising group of youngsters who are all fighting for World Cup spots,” he said.

Hesson took over the role from John Wright in July 2012, and his original contract would have ended on April 30 next year.

It has now been extended until the same date in 2017.

Hesson, 39, coached the Black Caps to series wins over India and the West Indies at home last summer, and recently added a rare Test series victory in the West Indies to his achievements.

NZC chief executive David White welcomed Hesson’s reappointment.

“It’s great news for the players and for the sport to have consistency in this role for our flagship team for nearly five years,” he said.

“Mike has worked incredibly hard to build our relatively young Test team into one that is now challenging the top sides in the world.”

White said Hesson had formed a formidable partnership with captain Brendon McCullum.

“How the team performed at home over the summer against both the West Indies and India showed that both Mike and Brendon have built a side capable of knocking over anyone on their day.”