Raelene Castle, Sport NZ Group chief executive, describes White as a strong fit for the new role given his diverse international and domestic sport experience and notes the growth of NZ Cricket under his leadership, including a high-performance structure benefiting the Black Caps and White Ferns over the past 15 years.

White most recently led the International League T20 in the UAE and has also headed Auckland Rugby and the Blues, Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes, and Bristol Rugby.

His executive track record includes 11 years as NZC CEO, where he drove commercial growth, expanded equity and support structures, and established high-performance systems contributing to national team successes, and he later led DP World ILT20 in the UAE, advancing league growth.

David White has been appointed the new High Performance Director at High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).

White will start in January 2027, succeeding Steve Tew who retires at the end of 2026.

White says he is excited about the opportunity and aims to help New Zealanders succeed on the world stage by applying his high-performance experience to HPSNZ.

He emphasizes advancing New Zealand’s global sporting standing and supporting athletes to succeed internationally.

Steve Tew’s tenure is acknowledged as laying a strong foundation; he will depart at year’s end after five and a half years in the role.

Castle notes that White will succeed Steve Tew, who will retire at the end of the year, leaving a solid base for the new director.

White’s appointment followed an extensive international recruitment process and will involve leading HPSNZ’s strategic direction, managing government and commercial investment to maximize podium outcomes, and strengthening relationships with National Sports Organisations to support athlete pathways.

In his role, White will set HPSNZ’s strategic direction, manage investment, and support national sports organisations and their athletes.

During his 11-year stint at NZC, White expanded finances, focused on women’s and girls’ cricket, introduced a Māori strategy, and oversaw the Black Caps’ role in winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.