Harris claimedthe sport is in a strong position and is pleased that participation continues to increase and the Black Sticks are performing strongly on the world stage.

Both New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams have qualified for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro by virtue of their performances at this year’s Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Finals in Buenos Aires and Antwerp respectively.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) invited New Zealand's men, along with Spain's women, to Rio 2016 last week after an appeal to the International Olympic Committee designed to force South Africa to send its teams was rejected.

Both South African sides earned a place at the Games after winning their respective African Championships in November, but the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee insists on strict qualification criteria and believes that the continental route is not good enough.

Instead, both teams could only confirm their berths through the HWL, something they were unable to do.

New Zealand and Spain, therefore, profited as they were the highest placed teams from the HWL Semi-Finals who had not already qualified.

"Hockey in New Zealand is well placed," said Harris.

"Both the Black Sticks Men and Women have qualified for the Rio Olympics, a four-year agreement for an annual Trans-Tasman series has been signed, plans are under way for a national hockey stadium and we have a packed national and international programme that is continually growing the game.

"Hockey is well-regarded at both Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand for what has been achieved in recent years.

"We have continued to exceed Sport New Zealand’s expectations at a grass-roots level which is a good indicator that we have successful nationally-aligned programmes and fantastic people throughout the sport."

Harris will be moving on to pursue another career opportunity and is confident that Hockey New Zealand is well-positioned to deliver on its recently drafted 2016-2020 strategy. 

Hockey New Zealand chairman Dean Ellwood claimed Harris has led positive outcomes during his time with the sport. 

"We are confident the 2016-2020 strategic plan will provide the framework for another five years of growth and success," said Ellwood. 

"The relationship between Hockey New Zealand and the regions, associations and clubs has been positive over recent years and our strong family of commercial and funding partners has assisted us to deliver not only on the international stage but importantly, at a grass roots level as well.

Ellwood confirmed that a recruitment process to replace Harris will commence shortly and that the Board had appointed Ian Francis, Hockey New Zealand’s general manager of community sport and events, as the acting chief executive.

Earlier this month, New Zealand's women lost out to hosts Argentina in the HWL Final.

They suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the London 2012 Olympic silver medallists in Rosario.