Triathlon New Zealand has scored something of a coup in the triathlon world with the appointment of highly regarded Graeme Maw to the newly developed position of High Performance Director, Tri NZ.

The appointment of the former High Performance Director at British Triathlon is the first significant step in the implementation of the recommendations of the recent Independent Review into the Tri NZ HP Programme.

Tri NZ Chief Executive Craig Waugh is delighted to announce someone of the calibre of Maw to such a key role.

“The creation of this new role is an important recommendation to come out of the Independent Review. So much of the work and planning that will follow will be driven by the High Performance Director and Head Coach as we set the tone and changes required for success over the next 8 to 10 years.

“The quality of applicants was superb, a reflection of the high regard in which Triathlon New Zealand and our athletes are held worldwide. But Graeme Maw stood out in the Global search and was our preferred choice; we are delighted to have secured his services. His experience and CV are simply outstanding; Graeme brings a wealth of knowledge from a variety of countries and sports and will lead our High Performance Programme with a clear focus and vision.”

Since 2009 Maw has held the post of Director of Sport at Millfield School in Somerset, the UK’s pre-eminent school for sport, (Millfield had 9 past or present students at the London Olympic Games and for a few days led the Aussies on the medal table!).

Maw’s CV includes roles as Elite Performance Director with the Welsh Rugby Union, High Performance Manager Swimming at the Queensland Academy of Sport and perhaps most significantly for his new role, High Performance Director at British Triathlon from 2001 to 2006 and Triathlon England board member 2010 - 12

During that time Maw was responsible for the development of a UK-wide High Performance Network supported by professional coaches and backed-up by expert support services. Outcomes included 28 World, European and Commonwealth medals in 6 seasons, including World Triathlon Champions 2002 and 2006, and a legacy that built the foundations for the British Triathlon programme success today.

High Performance Sport New Zealand CEO Alex Baumann is welcoming of the appointment.

“Triathlon New Zealand has acted quickly and professionally in their search for a High Performance Director, in line with the recommendations of the recent independent review into their 2020 High Performance Programme.”

“The search has been a global one, with Tri NZ looking at home and overseas for the best candidate in what will be a demanding and challenging role. To entice someone of the calibre and international reputation of Graeme Maw is both testament to the recruitment process but also the sport itself and the high regard in which the global triathlon community views New Zealand.

“Graeme will add considerable expertise to Triathlon New Zealand and lead the High Performance Programme into an exciting phase as the sport plans for the next 8 to 10 years of success. I’m sure that value will not be limited to Triathlon however, with the wider sporting community standing to benefit from having someone of Graeme’s experience here in New Zealand.”

Maw himself is delighted at having secured the role and is looking forward to enhancing a uniquely ‘Kiwi’ HP Programme.

“I cannot wait to get to work with Tri NZ. I watched as Hamish and Bevan went 1-2 in Athens, I saw Sam Warriner medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and have followed Andrea's outstanding form these past few years. I hired (New Zealander) Ben Bright to work as a coach and roomed with a Coast-to-Coast medallist during University and I recognise the same tenacity in all of them.

“I relish bringing people together to achieve a collective goal (I believe New Zealand has a national spirit to support that), and believe in coaching and coach development. I'm certainly looking forward to working with the team to progress New Zealand's triathlon legacy.”

Waugh is excited about the future of the sport and the High Performance Programme under the guidance of Maw.

“In appointing Graeme we have no doubt that he has the vision, experience and the leadership to bring a group of talented people together working to implement the recommendations of the 2020 HP review. The sport is such a fast growing one; it is vital that we are world class in our pursuit of excellence on the world stage.”

Maw will arrive in New Zealand in November and commence his new role in December.