Former New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew has taken up a short-term role with High Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) to alleviate pressure on chief executive Raelene Castle.
Tew will join HPSNZ on a six-month placement as the chief operating officer, with sources indicating Castle was struggling with workload. Newshub understands there was concern the organisation was losing focus in the lead-up to this year's Tokyo Olympic Games.
Castle confirmed Tew's appointment to Newshub, saying: "Steve Tew has been appointed as acting chief operating officer at HPSNZ.
"Steve has accepted a six-month contract to support HPSNZ with the roll-out of our new 2024 strategy, and our organisation's critical role supporting NSOs in their upcoming Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic campaigns.
"Steve has extensive experience in high performance sport and well-established relationships across the sector. He was a member of the steering committee for the 2032 High Performance System Strategy. `
"More recently, he acted as an independent advisor to a range of NSOs as part of Sport NZ's National Partner Strengthen and Adapt programme in response to COVID-19.
"As a proven, experienced and collaborative leader, Steve will be a tremendous asset to HPSNZ when he takes up the role from April 27."
Castle took up the role of New Zealand Sport chief executive last December, after resigning as Rugby Australia CEO in April.
