The White Ferns will open their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Bristol on Saturday night (New Zealand time).
With an imposing batting line-up and a threatening bowling unit, Lees was bullish about New Zealand's title prospects.
He stood in as White Ferns interim coach in 2014 and has recently retired after leading the Sparks to two titles in five seasons.
Outside of the White Ferns camp, he is arguably the most informed observer and believes the White Ferns have a formidable side.
He feels it might be the last World Cup for some of the senior players which could provide the extra incentive the team needs to see off strong challenges from the likes of defending champion Australia and home side England.
''There are a lot of players who won't go to another one,'' he said, explaining his opening gambit.
''I'm not asking anyone to retire. But this is a great opportunity and the best team that has been assembled in quite some time.
''We'll need a little luck in some of the games because we have to beat Australia and England, both very, very experienced teams. Australia seem to have the wood over us at times but I'm absolutely certain that this could be the one that they should win.''
It is the White Ferns' batting strength which gives Lees the most confidence.
The group of Suzie Bates, Rachel Priest, Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine are all seasoned internationals, while Otago's Katey Martin has transformed into accomplished top-order batsman having initially started her international career as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
During the course of the tournament, Bates (98 ODIs) and Satterthwaite (95 ODIs) should join seven other New Zealand players in reaching 100 one-day internationals for their country.
They are the class duo in the White Ferns line-up and regularly shred the bowling attacks they come up against.
Bates needs another eight runs to bring up 3500 career runs, while Satterthwaite needs 30 runs to bring up 3000 runs. Only Debbie Hockley (4062 runs) has scored more ODI runs for New Zealand. Priest (1548), Devine (1524) and Martin (1141) are in a select group of 14 New Zealand players who have topped 1000 runs.
The White Ferns should be well-served by their bowling unit, as well.
''None of the teams will have a bowling attack better than ours,'' Lees said.
''We probably don't have an out and out strike bowler, in terms of pace, but they are a good team.''
Opening bowler Lea Tahuhu is quick enough and she swings the ball away from the right-handers.
Fellow right-armer Holly Huddleston is quicker that she looks, and medium pacer Hannah Rowe is coming into form at the right time.
''She's an athlete and probably the fastest runner between the wickets in the women's cricket that I've ever seen. There will be a place for her in some of these games, as well.''
Otago's Leigh Kasperek will lead the spin attack which includes 16-year-old legspinner Amelia Kerr. Satterthwaite will help out with her off-breaks when required.
''I've always been confident. With the amount of effort that has been put in during the past 18 months, it will be a heartbreaker if they don't get through.''
The format for the World Cup is nice and simple. There are eight teams, everyone plays each other once and the top four teams progress to the semifinals (Super Rugby take note).
The White Ferns made short work of India in a warm-up match yesterday, NZN reports.
New Zealand won by seven wickets at the County Ground in Derby, having dismissed India for 130 in 45.1 overs.
It took just 26.3 overs for the New Zealanders to reach 133 for three. Priest (52) and Bates (30) made a 72-run opening stand.
All seven of New Zealand's bowlers claimed a wicket. seamer Anna Peterson recording the best figures of two for 14.
