First, the Shell Trophy (also known as the Plunket Shield), the first-class competition contested by the six major association teams, was becoming expensive to run in its double round robin format.
In 2000–01 the Plunket Shield resumed its place as New Zealand’s only first-class competition, returning to its double round robin format.
Northern Conference played seven first-class matches, winning two, drawing four and losing one.
1997–98: Captained by Dion Nash, Northern Conference won the first-class competition in 1997–98.
None of their batsmen scored a century, and their best bowler was Daniel Vettori, who took nine wickets.