There is no suggestion the behaviour the Olympian is accused of has any link to the former kitchen worker’s alleged offending.
The association told members on Wednesday night about its external review, but said its board was “fully in support” of how management handled the issues.
“We obtained independent HR and legal advice at the time, and we followed this external advice on how the issues were managed.”
NHHA told the Herald last week it had conducted an internal review in 2025 after “initial concerns” were raised about the former Olympian, but “nothing was found”.
North Harbour Hockey Association has defended its handling of the scandal and launched an independent review. Photo / Getty
The association declined to comment on further Herald inquiries when approached yesterday.
Multiple members of the hockey community told the Herald they raised concerns in 2023 and 2024 with NHHA about the coach’s interactions with players.
One hockey source told the Herald that after issues about the coach’s alleged close relationship with a player were raised with them in 2023, they “immediately” reported it to association management.
They alleged: “As soon as I started talking about it [one member of management] went ape s*** basically.”
The person said the leader told them NHHA was “aware” and had looked into the claims.
They also said they raised it with a different leader about a year later, but they were not told of any action taken.
“These are not my values. These are not my standards, this is not what I stand for and this is not why I’m here,” the person said.
The person told the Herald parents had expressed to them that they felt unable to raise concerns about the coach’s alleged behaviour with players as they feared their daughters would be retaliated against.
“All of them said there is ‘no way in hell’ they would say anything as it would be held against them.”
The person also noted the alleged power imbalance between teenage female hockey players and the former Olympian, as he was involved in the selection process for senior teams.
The person claimed there was a “culture of fear” and an “old boys’ club” at NHHA.
‘Failed the kids’
A copy of a complaint sent to the NHHA board under the organisation’s whistleblower policy was shared with the Herald.
It followed the former NHHA kitchen staffer being charged with allegedly indecently assaulting two teenage girls.
The complaint stated: “I wholeheartedly believe NHHA failed the kids involved, and we continue to do so.”
The complainant wrote they were concerned that if they came forward, there would be a “big target” on their back.
“I have realised the talk about Harbour values, whānau and the Harbour way is exactly that, all talk.”
They expressed concerns about the work environment for young people in the bar and kitchen and felt they would never be able to take away the “trauma” those allegedly impacted would face.
“I ask you, if this was your daughter or son or grandchild how would you have wanted Harbour to react? Would you have been satisfied with him resigning?”
‘Good Governance’
Sports New Zealand awarded the NHHA a “Good Governance Mark” last November.
The designation is for boards assessed as having good systems, policies and processes in place.
Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said the agency was aware of the issues at NHHA.
“Hockey NZ is working hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the players involved, which is a priority for both organisations.”
Castle said that when issues arise, it is the board’s responsibility to ensure it responds in line with its policies.
“Given the serious issues currently facing NHHA, and given they have been awarded the Governance Mark, Sport NZ will be actively engaging with the board to understand their response and agree appropriate next steps.”
Hockey New Zealand CEO Michelle Hollands.
Hockey New Zealand chief executive Michelle Hollands earlier confirmed her agency had undertaken a review after player concerns were raised.
“Hockey New Zealand does not have the authority to instruct or act on behalf of member associations or clubs,” Hollands told the Herald this week.
The agency was the national governing body, responsible for leading, promoting and developing hockey in New Zealand.
Hollands said 32 affiliated member associations and more than 300 clubs deliver the game at the community level.
Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers issues such as sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020.
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