The Blackcaps upcoming one day international against South Africa will be transferred from Napier's McLean Park to Hamilton's Seddon Park on March 1.

New Zealand Cricket chief operating officer Anthony Crummy explains an investigation into the abandoned ODI against Australia at McLean Park earlier this year has highlighted a need for urgent remedial work on the venue's turf, drainage, and irrigation system.

Anthony says the findings of the investigation left few options open but the one agreed, and anyone who has already purchased tickets to the ODI against South Africa in Napier will receive full refunds.

'There have been shortcomings identified in McLean Park's drainage and irrigation system which need to be remedied before we can be confident of avoiding what happened in the Chappell-Hadlee fixture.

'The investigation concludes that drought conditions in the Hawke's Bay necessitated significant levels of watering in the days leading up to the match which, combined with a limited drainage infrastructure and rain on match-day, resulted in a worst-case scenario.”

Anthony says it is true that several measures could be employed to help mitigate this risk ahead of the South Africa match, but even then, any period of significant or extended rain in the lead-up would likely result in the same outcome.

'NZC, the Central Districts Cricket Association and the Napier City Council agree this risk is unacceptable.”

Anthony notes a complete review of the McLean Park outfield was undertaken following the abandonment of the West Indies ODI in 2013, and as part of preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 - resulting in an upgrade of the drainage in the area in front of the Harris Stand.

The latest review completed by Sports Surface Design and Management revealed deterioration to the drainage that could only be addressed by installing a full replacement system.

'This has been a difficult time for those involved with staging cricket at McLean Park and, not least, the cricket-loving public within the Hawke's Bay.

'However, both NZC and the Napier City Council believe the best way to future-proof the region's ability to host international cricket is to transfer the scheduled fourth ANZ ODI against South Africa.”

Planning on remedial work will begin as soon as possible. By doing this, NZC looks forward with confidence to McLean Park hosting next summer's ODIs against England and Pakistan,

Anthony commends the Napier City Council on committing to a $900,000 upgrade of McLean Park, with planning to start immediately on installing a complete replacement of the playing surface, drainage and irrigation system.

This upgrade will be on top of an existing commitment to build drop-in pitches, improve the lighting, and build practice facilities on site.

Anthony says NZC has taken on board criticism of in-venue communications during the abandoned match, and was refining more detailed messaging on the state of play to ensure information was conveyed in a clear, timely and concise manner.

Napier mayor Bill Dalton says the decision was not an easy one to make and that he's 'bitterly disappointed on behalf of the fans, the players and the council.

'In essence, we have a fantastic ground in a superb location but the turf is old and has deteriorated dramatically in the face of the recent drought conditions in the Hawke's Bay.

'There are issues with the organic matter beneath the surface of the ground – issues we didn't know about and are now urgently dealing with.”

While Central Districts chief executive Pete De Wet says is extremely disappointed for the CD cricket community and, particularly, those in the Hawke's Bay, but believes the decision to transfer the South Africa ODI was the only responsible course of action.

'Make no mistake, this decision hasn't been arrived at lightly and comes as a real blow for all involved.

'Having said that, I think we have to feel encouraged by the determination of the NCC to invest in McLean Park and create a top-class international cricket venue.”