Clareburt, who will compete in the 400 metres individual medley competition, will come into his first Games in good form having won eight gold medals at the New Zealand Age Group Championships in 2017 where he also equalled Danyon Loader's 25-year-old 200m freestyle national record.

Although this will be his first senior Commonwealth Games, the 18-year-old does have previous Games experience having won three gold and four silver medals at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in The Bahamas.

He also won the Junior Sportsman of the Year award at the Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards.

Clareburt expressed his delight at his selection.

"I am really excited to be representing New Zealand at the 2018 Commonwealth Games," he said.

"I've been training really hard all summer as if I was going to the Games, so I'm relieved that it's paid off.

"I'm pumped to get over to the Gold Coast and race."

Swimming New Zealand chief executive Steve Johns added: "Lewis has demonstrated the ability to perform with distinction at the Games and deserves the opportunity to represent New Zealand at this pinnacle event.

"Lewis joins a strong New Zealand team and we look forward to seeing them all compete on the Gold Coast in April."

Clareburt's inclusion brings the total number of swimmers set to represent New Zealand at Gold Coast 2018 to 13.