Those allegations included claims of bullying and alleged matters arising from a troubled senior women’s tour to Europe and Singapore last year.
There have been claims and counter-claims about Water Polo New Zealand’s handling of the complaints and the athletes directly involved.
The Herald earlier obtained a 12-page letter written by several players which detailed allegations against other players and coaches.
“I remember thinking this was the worst trip I [have] ever been on and that it was the worst experience of my life,” an athlete said in the letter.
A Herald investigation revealed the allegations involving the senior women’s team were a window into deeper, broader concerns about the state of the sport, with claims of selection favouritism, conflicts of interest, poor leadership, and – most seriously – fears for player welfare.
In recent days, the Herald has sent further questions to Shine, asking about WPNZ’s interactions with the Sport Integrity Commission.
The Herald has also obtained a report written by a club chair and senior figure that raises issues around policy discrepancies within the sport. Those matters and that report continue to be investigated by the Herald.
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Shine told his board members and club chairs in an email on Monday night that he was resigning with “sadness”.
“At the most recent AGM, I was clear that my continued service was dependent on a meaningful improvement in conduct and behaviour, together with visible support for the board, management and those working to progress the sport,” Shine wrote.
“There has been genuine and greatly appreciated support from many members, staff, players, officials, clubs and other participants.
“Unfortunately, a small but persistent minority has continued to engage in a form of conduct that I had hoped would end.”
He said the latest media inquiries – “following the unauthorised disclosure of well-intentioned materials provided within the club chairs forum” – had confirmed that this conduct was continuing and it made his position “no longer sustainable”.
“Although the materials were designed to generate challenge and discussion, their disclosure and the ulterior purpose behind their disclosure continue to undermine the trust necessary to address matters openly and effectively.
“Members will recall this is not the first time this behaviour has occurred, previous instances included unauthorised recording and distribution of confidential materials.”
The 2025 senior New Zealand women’s water polo team and former WPNZ chair Alex Howieson (inset left) and WPNZ chief executive Jan Shearer (inset right). Illustration / Oliver Rusden; Main picture / Getty
Shine said he remained committed to the “wellbeing and future of water polo in New Zealand”.
“I will therefore provide assistance to enable an orderly transfer of matters, including the handover of relevant information and responsibilities to the board or its nominee.”
Sport Integrity Commission update
In a statement to the Herald last week, the Sport Integrity Commission said it could not comment on the progress, or specifics, of its investigation.
The Herald understands the inquiry was expected to be completed by now.
“Investigations under section 32 of the Integrity Sport and Recreation Act are complex, often sensitive, and do take time,” said a commission spokeswoman.
“Other factors that can impact timelines include the number of complainants, the privacy rights of individuals (including whether they wish to be identified), and natural justice rights for those facing allegations.
“Parties may also choose to explore alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation alongside an investigation, and the commission will look to support that option if it is appropriate. Such processes must be handled with care and can take time.”
New Zealand competed against China at last year’s ill-fated World Aquatic Championships in Singapore in 2025. Photo / Getty
The Herald understands that some individuals within water polo may have elected not to be interviewed by the commission.
“In our investigations, we rely heavily on the voluntary provision of information,” said the commission spokeswoman.
“Some people will choose to engage in person, others in writing, while others choose not to participate. While we cannot comment on the involvement of specific individuals in our investigation process, we can confirm that we are actively engaging with Water Polo New Zealand and they are responding to our enquiries.”
In a statement earlier on Monday evening to the Herald – before he announced his resignation – Shine said: “WPNZ’s position throughout has been one of ongoing co-operation with the SIC”.
He said WPNZ had not declined to participate, “nor has it advised or instructed any current or former staff member, officeholder or representative not to participate”.
“As is entirely usual in a quasi-statutory inquiry, prospective participants have sought appropriate assurances and procedural guardrails, including greater detail about the matters and questions they are expected to address.
“It is incorrect to characterise such reasonable procedural requests as a refusal or declinature to meet with the SIC. WPNZ remains committed to co-operating appropriately with the inquiry. No further comment will be provided.”
In his later resignation email, he wrote: “It has been a privilege to serve the sport and to work alongside the many people who contribute their time and energy, often voluntarily, for the benefit of players, referees, coaches, clubs and supporters.
“I sincerely hope that members reflect on the expectations set at the AGM and support the incoming leadership by holding each other to account and demonstrating the standards of conduct, mutual respect and collective responsibility that are essential for the organisation and the sport to progress.”
Shine has been contacted for further comment.
In an email last Friday, in response to a question about whether he planned to stay as chair, Shine said: “As you will have noted, I am the current chair of WPNZ. Together with my fellow directors, I perform this role on a voluntary basis because of our shared commitment to supporting the sport and helping it progress for the benefit of players, referees, clubs and supporters throughout New Zealand.
“From a continuity perspective, and subject to the support of members and stakeholders and work commitments, I currently expect to continue in the chair role until the next AGM [next year]. The appointment of chair occurs following each AGM.”
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.