'Warren is an outstanding coach. He certainly wants to come back to New Zealand one day and he aspires to be the All Black coach. Clearly, he'll be considered.'
Gatland's critics say his reputation for negative rugby could put the locals off, but Tew is adamant Gatland is greatly admired by the people who matter in New Zealand.
'Put Warrenball, or whatever anyone calls it aside, Gats has been a bloody successful coach because he's able to prepare teams to play different opposition, week in, week out, and win,' Tew said. 'We kicked the ball more in the first two Tests than the Lions did - and nobody was calling it Hansenball, were they?
'I wouldn't box any coach into a category. The process we go through involves guys going in front of the board and setting out their vision for the All Blacks, and the game, and how they're going to go about it. I'm sure Warren has won the public over, but maybe I'm cynical because I think what we hear is what the media want the public to think.
'There are knowledgeable fans who watch a lot of rugby and know exactly what is going on, and there will be a group that are just there to be entertained and they'll take their cue from what they read on the train home. I thought the clown stuff with Warren was really unnecessary, they just got carried away. I've got a pretty thick skin but when it gets personal against an individual it's wrong.
'As far as the Lions go, this group have done a very good job of connecting themselves on this tour. There have been no issues off the paddock, nothing for us to deal with. They're playing three games in seven days sometimes and it's been bloody hard work. It's a credit to Warren, Sam Warburton as captain and John Spencer, the tour manager.'
Saturday's Test in Auckland will see the Lions go for a first win in New Zealand since 1971, but Tew dismissed the idea Hansen might not make it to the 2019 World Cup if he lost.
'Steve Hansen is batting at a 90-odd per cent win rate,' he said. 'Someone asked him if he would resign if he lost the series to the Lions, but that's ludicrous. A record is established over a long period of time. He's got a record as a coach that goes back to the mid-1990s, winning three titles with the Crusaders.
'He had a tough time with Wales but he came back and, since then, his record speaks for itself. If we lost every game this season, well, we're all going to start asking questions.
'But if we lose to a very good Lions side, if we play well and lose, if it comes down to one dumb penalty, as it could, that doesn't make a person a good or bad coach.
'There won't be a knee jerk decision, whatever happens.'
