Nicholas Pirihi

Nicholas Gordon Pirihi (born 19 April 1977) is a New Zealand police officer and former first-class cricketer.

Pirihi was born at Whangārei in April 1977. He later studied mathematics and science to masters level at the University of Waikato, before gaining a Rhodes Scholarship to read law at Merton College, Oxford. Prior to leaving for England, he was known as a field hockey player and had played for the New Zealand Māori field hockey team. While studying at Oxford, Pirihi played first-class cricket for Oxford University from 1997–99, making eight appearances. He scored 115 runs in his eight matches at an average of 9.58, with a high score of 23.

After returning to New Zealand, Pihiri worked in the financial markets. Deciding to realise a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, he joined the New Zealand Police in 2006. He is currently a detective in the Criminal Investigation Branch. Pirihi plays field hockey for the Northland Police, in addition to assisting the Waikato Hockey Association as an administrator.