Appointments Announced for High Performance Leadership

Announcement of New Leadership Team for SNZ High Performance Programme

We are excited to announce a new leadership team for our high performance programme, including appointments of proven world class heads in strategy and coaching. After thorough consultation with coaches and athletes regarding the development of the LA ’28 Plan (Olympic and Paralympic) and the debrief following Paris ’24, we identified two clear areas that needed priority focus for the LA cycle: leadership and coaching.

Therefore, we are delighted to announce that Graeme Maw and Graham Hill will jointly fill the role vacated by Gary Francis’ departure to Perth, with part-time roles as Strategic Lead – High Performance (Graeme Maw) and Head Coach – Olympic (Graham Hill), respectively.

Graeme Maw will start with immediate effect leading both Olympic and Paralympic programmes, while Graham Hill will start early in the New Year while continuing as Head Coach of the North Shore Swimming Club.

Swimming NZ's Chief Executive, Steve Johns, is thrilled with the appointments.

“Our plan for LA ’28 is clear; the podium is our goal. Both Graeme Maw and Graham Hill bring extensive world-class high performance experience and Olympic level success to our programme and will ensure that we are able to build on the legacy left by Gary Francis’ departure and work with our medal winning programmes to achieve our goal of being on the podium in LA ’28 and Brisbane ’32. This is an exciting time in our high performance programme as we build on the progress and success achieved throughout the Paris cycle, and I congratulate and welcome Graeme and Graham to their new roles.”

Swimming NZ's new Head Coach - Olympic, Graham Hill, is keen to get started in the role.

"I'm really excited to be in New Zealand and get the lead role as Head Coach - Olympic. I see huge potential and look forward to working with all coaches and athletes throughout the country to achieve great results on the international stage."

Amanda White will continue as High Performance Manager, working across both the Olympic and Paralympic programmes. She will be responsible for the daily operation and management of the two programmes, with support from Bex Bowden as our Logistics Coordinator - High Performance.

Simon Mayne will continue in his Paralympic Programme Lead role with a full review of the Paralympic programme being completed early in the New Year.

All high performance staff will report directly to our new Strategic Lead – High Performance, Graeme Maw.