Horst Miehe

Biography

Horst Miehe is an internationally experienced swim coach, educator, and sports leader with more than three decades involved in aquatics development across New Zealand and the Pacific. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, and Passionate about Cook Islands swimming Horst has built a reputation for combining high-performance coaching with a strong commitment to community participation, water safety, and athlete wellbeing.

Horst is the Director of Coaching for HPK Swim Club and Swimgym, one of New Zealand’s largest swim education and competitive swimming organisations. Under his leadership, thousands of young people have progressed through learn-to-swim programmes into competitive pathways, while many more have developed the confidence and skills needed to enjoy the water safely for life.

Internationally, Horst has worked extensively throughout Oceania and has been closely involved with swimming in the Cook Islands. His work spans athlete and coach development, competition planning, governance support, and strategic partnerships designed to strengthen aquatics opportunities across the region. He has contributed to regional initiatives alongside organisations including World Aquatics, Oceania Swimming, and national federations throughout the Pacific. Known for his energetic and practical leadership style, Horst is passionate about creating sustainable systems that allow athletes, coaches, and clubs to thrive. He strongly believes that excellence in sport should sit alongside inclusiveness, education, and community impact.

Horst continues to advocate for increased access to aquatic facilities, stronger coach education pathways, and greater collaboration between Pacific nations. His vision for aquatics in the Cook Islands centres on developing opportunities for local athletes while building a lasting culture of swimming, water safety, and community pride.