High Performance Sport New Zealand Appoints Former NZC CEO David White as High Performance Director

High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) has appointed veteran sports executive David White as its new High Performance Director, following an extensive international recruitment process.

White will officially assume executive leadership of the national high-performance body in January 2027, taking over from Steve Tew, who is set to retire at the end of 2026 after five and a half years in the role.

In his new role, White will oversee HPSNZ’s strategic direction, manage government and commercial investment allocations to maximise podium outcomes at major international competitions, and lead relationships with National Sports Organisations (NSOs) to bolster athlete pathways and support systems.

Sport NZ Group CEO, Raelene Castle, highlighted White’s cross-disciplinary leadership experience and proven capability in building sustainable elite sporting structures.

“I have worked alongside David in the sports sector for the last 20 years and have always had huge respect for him and his work.”

“I am especially impressed by the growth that NZ Cricket saw under his leadership, including the establishment of the high performance structure which has seen consistent performances by the Black Caps and White Ferns over the last 15 years.

“David brings deep executive experience to HPSNZ and I’m looking forward to working with him,” Castle said. 

Castle also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Director Steve Tew.

“On behalf of HPSNZ, I’d like to thank Steve for his enormous contribution over the last five and a half years.”

“Steve leaves a strong foundation for David to continue building on and we wish him all the best for the future,” Castle added. 

Expressing his commitment to advancing New Zealand’s global sporting standing as he prepares to transition into the position, veteran sports executive, White, added: “I am really excited by this opportunity.”

“I am deeply passionate about New Zealand and seeing New Zealanders succeed on the world stage and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and understanding of high performance to continue that work at HPSNZ,” White said. 

Executive Track Record and Administrative Portfolio

White brings over two decades of senior sports administration experience across domestic and international ecosystems:

• New Zealand Cricket (NZC): Served as Chief Executive Officer for 11 years. During his tenure, he drove commercial revenue growth, instituted an overarching Māori strategy, expanded structural support and equity for women and girls’ cricket, and established high-performance systems that underpinned the Black Caps’ win in the inaugural 2021 ICC World Test Championship alongside consistent global performances by the White Ferns.
• International League T20 (ILT20): Most recently held the role of Chief Executive Officer for the DP World ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates, leading the commercial and operational growth of the franchise league.
• Rugby Administration Footprint: Previous executive governance roles include Chief Executive positions with domestic and international rugby union bodies, including Auckland Rugby and the Blues, Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes, and English club Bristol Rugby.

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