He has already led the team at both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, as well as at last year's Summer Universiade in Kazan and the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

"Pete did a superb job at the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2014 and Vancouver 2010," New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith said.

"The feedback on his leadership from the team members and stakeholders was outstanding.

"He has exceptional skills in developing a strong culture and cohesion amongst the team, and leads with purpose and energy.

"He will chair the leadership group that will get underway by the end of 2014."

Work is currently underway on a Winter Olympic Selection policy for the Games and Wardell claimed he is excited to take the team to South Korea in four years' time.

Peter Wardell also led the New Zealand squad at the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games ©Getty Images


"It's another fantastic opportunity to be part of a passionate group of Kiwi athletes and professional support staff, wearing the rings and silver fern," he said.

"It's a great honour.

"I'm committed to helping our team deliver in a high performance environment and help our athletes achieve their goals on the world's stage.

"With every Olympic Games the competition gets tougher and we can expect a step up at Pyeongchang, particularly in the new Olympic freeski and snowboarding events."

Although New Zealand missed a podium finish at Sochi 2014, the squad did secure 11 top 16 finishes, the nation's best result at a Winter Olympics since Albertville 1992 when Annelise Coberger won silver in the Alpine skiing slalom.

However, Wardell is now hoping to bring the team home with medals from Pyeongchang 2018.

"Podium finishes are a realistic target and our job will be to ensure the environment, preparation is delivered to a very high standard and will help our athletes achieve," he added.

"Every Games is different and that is a significant part of my role, knowing what differences there will be well before we get there.

"Korea put on a wonderful Games when they held the Summer Olympics [Seoul 1988], I'm sure that Pyeongchang will be even better.

"Already planning is well advanced and early reports from the Coordination Commissions are positive."

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