New Zealand cricket has been shorn of a second enduring performer with the ball in the space of two days after Kyle Mills announced his retirement at all levels.

Seam bowler Mills, 36, ends a 17-year first-class career one day after teammate Daniel Vettori also confirmed he is pulling up stumps. The pair were part of the Black Caps squad's thrilling World Cup campaign which ended with a loss to Australia in the final at Melbourne on Sunday.

Despite his fine international record, Mills didn't play a game in what was his third World Cup, shut out by the strong form of his teammates. But for so long, it was Mills denying others.

He represented New Zealand in 170 one-day internationals, 42 Twenty20s and 19 Tests. He finishes as the country's second-highest ODI wicket-taker with 240 scalps over 14 years, headed only by Vettori's 305 over 18 years.

“

The time is right for me to step away from playing this great game and devote more time to my family who have sacrificed so much.

”

- Mills said in a statement.

"There have been many good times and some tough times on the field over the years, but my best memories will be of the team camaraderie and having the time of my life playing cricket for my country with my mates."

In his prime, Mills was rated the No.1 ODI bowler on the ICC's world rankings. Never overly quick, his accuracy was the secret to a miserly economy rate while controlled swing was a constant menace to top-order batsmen. He says he is looking forward to watching the core of the current squad build on their World Cup efforts.

NZC chief executive David White paid tribute to Mills' contribution, saying it would have been even greater if it weren't for untimely injuries. His fondest memory of Mills was a Test match in Hamilton seven years ago when he exploited conditions superbly to knock over a world class English top four in the second innings to set up a 189-run win.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says Mills' presence will be missed, as well as his professional attitude. "To have the longevity that Kyle's had takes an incredible work ethic and desire to represent your country. "On top of what he's achieved on the field, he's also a fantastic bloke and a great team man."