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Former NZC boss appointed HPSNZ’s new High Performance Director
Sport Nation • October 28th, 2026 10:03 am
David White | Photo: Photosport
High Performance Sport New Zealand has appointed former New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White as its new High Performance Director.
White led NZ Cricket for 11 years, overseeing financial growth, a stronger focus on women’s and girls’ cricket and the introduction of a Māori strategy.
On the field, the Blackcaps won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
He most recently served as chief executive of the International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates, and has also led Auckland Rugby and the Blues, Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes, and Bristol Rugby.
“I am really excited by this opportunity,” White said.
“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.”
David White | Photo: Photosport
Sport NZ Group chief executive Raelene Castle said White’s experience across international and domestic sport made him a strong fit for the role.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
White will be responsible for setting HPSNZ’s strategic direction, managing investment and supporting national sports organisations and their athletes.
He replaces Steve Tew, who will retire at the end of this year after five and a half years in the role. Castle thanked Tew for his contribution, saying he leaves “a strong foundation for David to continue building on.”
