New Zealand and China water polo players compete during their match at the 2025 World Aquatic Championships in Singapore. Photo / Getty Images
WPNZ chair Alex Howieson – whose previous PR responses have been in the spotlight – confirmed to the Herald on Monday that she had received the letter the previous day. “The board has not yet had the opportunity to discuss it, and I won’t allow this to become a trial by media,” said Howieson.
In multiple reports over the past month, the Herald has revealed serious concerns within water polo on a number of fronts.
The Sport Integrity Commission is investigating bullying complaints arising from the NZ women’s tour of Europe and Singapore last year. There have also been concerns over the way WPNZ handled those complaints.
The Herald has spoken to dozens of other people connected to the sport who have raised broader concerns around governance and leadership, including claims that previous complaints have not been appropriately investigated. There are also claims of favouritism within the senior women’s programme.
Howieson has defended WPNZ and its actions.
Many of those spoken to by the Herald are parents who are too scared to be identified, for fear it will affect their children’s prospects in the sport.
Bowry has served the sport for 45 years, notably as a referee and also as a player, coach, manager and administrator. She first represented New Zealand as a 16-year-old, and she served on the WPNZ board herself from 2016 to 2021.
Water Polo NZ life member and former NZ rep Deb Bowry.
“Over recent months, it has become increasingly clear that several of our top New Zealand players may have been treated in a manner that raises serious concern,” Bowry wrote in her letter on Sunday.
She addressed the letter to the board of WPNZ and affiliated clubs.
“These athletes represent the highest level of women’s water polo in this country, yet reports suggest they have experienced a lack of support from some senior players and elements of team management. The apparent breakdown in team culture highlighted through recent accounts is troubling and requires careful and transparent examination.”
She said while the community strived to support athletes in reaching their highest levels, this should never be at the expense of their well-being. “In this instance, there appear to be significant questions that management must address regarding standards of care, leadership and team culture.”
The Herald has revealed that a rift developed between senior and junior players during last year’s tour, with an alleged act of physical violence from one player to another. The younger players also claimed, in a written complaint, that bullying and mistreatment had been allowed to occur without appropriate intervention from coaches and leaders.
Do you know more? The Herald’s water polo investigation continues – please email Shayne Currie in confidence: shayne.currie@nzme.co.nz
Bowry questioned why senior women’s coach Angie Winstanley-Smith had not been stood down from her role, pending the outcome of the Sport Integrity Commission investigation.
“Such a step would have demonstrated a commitment to fairness, due process and the well-being of the athletes involved,” wrote Bowry.
Howieson did not respond directly to the Herald’s specific questions about this or other matters.
Water Polo NZ chair Alex Howieson.
In an email back to Bowry and the clubs, Howieson thanked her, saying, “We very much appreciate the transparency and openness.
“I think a possible next step would be an open forum online to answer any questions you may have. I can set up a time online this week,” Howieson wrote.
“I think continuing to discuss these matters together and robustly will be in the best interest of our people, our stakeholders and the sport, which is what we are all here for.”
She said it was a “challenging time for all of us”.
She did not respond to the point about a possible no-confidence vote.
Winstanley-Smith did not respond to emailed questions yesterday. Previously, she has referred the Herald back to Howieson. WPNZ chief executive Jan Shearer referred questions back to Howieson.
Senior NZ women’s team coach Angie Winstanley-Smith. Photo / Getty Images
Bowry told the Herald she had received positive feedback on her email.
The Herald has also obtained an email sent to the board and other recipients by the chair of Southland Water Polo Association, Julie Welsh, in response to Bowry’s email.
“I am a firm believer that no one is above the rules regardless of their status or position within an organisation,” Welsh wrote, reiterating she was writing as chair, not on behalf of the Southland association.
“I feel that those at the top have an obligation to conduct any investigation directly in line with the information provided to … members to ensure a clear pathway to a resolution for all parties involved. In the case of WPNZ, I would expect this to be in the way of their policies and constitution.”
She agreed that Winstanley-Smith should have been suspended, on full pay.
“This would have shown the complainants that their concerns were being taken seriously and shown Angie that she had the support of WPNZ during this time as the allegations were being investigated.”
She understood the Sport Integrity Commission was still investigating matters.
“However, I do not feel that WPNZ has conducted this investigation in the best interests of the [organisation] and the complainants. In my opinion, this could have been dealt with swiftly using the procedures WPNZ have outlined, and therefore the media attention may not have been as influential in showing WPNZ in such a damaging light as it currently is.”
Do you know more? The Herald’s water polo investigation continues – please email Shayne Currie in confidence: shayne.currie@nzme.co.nz
Editor-at-large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including managing editor, NZ Herald editor and Herald on Sunday editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.