New Zealand Cricket has congratulated Chris Gaffaney on his selection for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup umpiring team.

Gaffaney will travel over to Australia as one of 16 umpires from around the world to officiate in the tournament.

"It's a massive honour for Chris to be chosen in such a high-calibre group of umpires", said New Zealand Cricket Umpiring Manager Rodger McHarg.

"It indicates how well Chris is regarded not just in New Zealand, but internationally as well. We wish him all the best and hope it leads to higher honours in the future."

During the first round of pool matches Gaffaney will be based in Townsville and umpires his first game on August 11 between Zimbabwe and Papa New Guinea.

Gaffaney originally played domestic cricket for Otago before switching to umpiring in the 2007/08 season. He umpired his first international match in 2010.