Smith told the Herald on Friday evening that her review would be a “high priority” in coming weeks.
Former NZOC chief executive Kereyn Smith. Photo / Photosport
The sport has already been facing an independent Sport Integrity Commission (SIC) investigation after a troubled senior women’s tour last year.
The NZ Herald revealed in March allegations of bullying on the senior women’s White Caps tour to Europe and Singapore, along with other issues within the sport, including governance concerns and allegations of selection bias.
The NZ women’s water polo team – the White Caps – line up at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore last year. Photo / Getty
Since then, the board has been depleted, with three directors leaving in less than five months. Chair Alex Howieson resigned in April, followed by her replacement, Richard Shine, last month.
The deputy chair, Megan Thomson, did not seek re-election at the sport’s AGM in May.
Women’s senior coach Angie Winstanley resigned in June.
Those departures have not quelled discontent from within the sport about WPNZ’s governance and administration, including among many of the sport’s 20 regional clubs who are understood to now want their own representative on the board.
At the same time, WPNZ recently sought advice and a list of recommended names from publicly funded government agency Sport NZ for a new, additional independent director.
Sport NZ says it provided three names.
Last week, Cade announced former Sport NZ chair and board member Raewyn Lovett had agreed to join the WPNZ board.
Independent review
In her email today, WPNZ’s Cade advised New Zealand clubs of the independent review.
“The last year has been a difficult one for our sport, and the board’s view is that we need a clear and shared understanding of how we got here, and a practical plan for moving forward,” she said.
She was “extremely pleased” that Smith had been appointed to conduct the review.
“She was chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee for 12 years and has since led governance renewal and reform work at Cycling New Zealand, Yachting New Zealand and Netball New Zealand.”
WPNZ interim chair Rachel Cade.
Smith would work independently of WPNZ, said Cade.
“She will determine the findings and the recommendations, and it will then be the board’s job to form an action plan, informed by consultation with the Club Chairs Group.”
Cade said it was important that the water polo community was “fully engaged in shaping the findings of this review”.
“Kereyn will be connecting broadly, in particular via the Club Chairs network, as well as connecting with individuals who play a central role in the sport, both past and present. WPNZ will be facilitating introductions so we can be confident input into this process has been widespread and representative.”
WPNZ expected it would receive a report by the end of November.
“It has been a tough time for our sport, and this review is a vital step in how we start moving forward. I’m optimistic about how we can use our reflections and learnings to develop a sustainable and united way forward.”
Cade has been approached for further comment.
Smith told the Herald she would be prioritising the review. “I understand the sensitivities and the urgency that they want to move forward with … absolutely it’s my priority.”
When asked who she would be speaking to, Smith explained that for her a review was like a preview.
“It’s about how do you get better in the future … people have a way of finding and connecting, and so I’ll just use my judgment around that.
“I’m not talking to every member of water polo in New Zealand, but … [I am] motivated about how things improve for the sport. That’s my focus.”
Under-18 tour
The sport has continued to face trouble, most recently after the under-18 women’s trip to Spain, where the side finished 12th at the world championships last month.
WPNZ administrators closed post-tour feedback because of “unsavoury comments” and “personal insults”.
WPNZ has refused to answer specific questions about feedback it has received from the tour.
However, a leaked document reveals it received angry feedback from some in the water polo community.
“We wish to advise the feedback form for the U18 Women has been closed due to the unsavoury comments received so far, a number of these are disrespectful and are personal attacks; these are of no use to our review process of the tour,” WPNZ chief executive and former Olympics sailor Jan Shearer wrote in one email leaked to the Herald.
She said WPNZ was open to “receiving constructive and professional input in the future”.
Do you know more? Email the NZ Herald in confidence – shayne.currie@nzme.co.nz
In recent weeks, Cade – the third chair since April – has declined a request to be interviewed over myriad issues.
In response to multiple questions, and before the announcement today of an independent review, Cade has provided the same generic statement saying WPNZ’s board and management are “committed to creating a safe, stable and enjoyable environment for our athletes, staff and community”.
“We are working hard to understand and address the concerns and issues within our sport, at both the operational and governance levels. We would prefer that work is not played out through the media, so we won’t be commenting on individual allegations and concerns.”
Neither she nor Shearer responded to specific questions about why feedback from the under-18 tour had been closed.
“Currently, there are several pieces of work in progress, and we are not in a position to comment. We will be communicating with our stakeholder representatives as we progress,” said Cade.
“We prioritise direct communication with them, and as noted previously, we are not in a position to communicate through the media.”
Over the past six months, the Herald has received complaints from water polo sport participants and parents about the state of the sport.
The Herald has also been leaked a document – written by a regional club chair and life member of the sport – which recommended a governance review.
It highlighted inconsistencies and contradictions around the sport’s rules and regulations, including selection policies.
Trouble in the White Caps
A White Caps player battles opponents from China at the World Aquatic Championships in Singapore last year. Photo / Getty Images
The Sport Integrity Commission has been investigating matters in relation to last year’s women’s tour of Europe and Singapore for more than a year.
The senior women’s team is known as the White Caps.
In May this year, the Herald revealed that one of three complainants who say they were bullied on the tour had sent a new email to the WPNZ board.
She said the programme “almost killed me” and she told the board she no longer wanted anything to do with the sport’s governing body.
The environment was unsafe, she said, and “under no circumstances will I ever represent New Zealand again”.
SIC’s position
Sport Integrity Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls.
The taxpayer-funded Sport Integrity Commission – which is led by chief executive Rebecca Rolls – has refused to say in recent weeks where its inquiry stands, when it might be completed, or whether it has been widened.
“We can confirm our investigation into Water Polo New Zealand continues and that we are actively engaging with them,” it said.
It requested its statement be attributed to a spokesperson, rather than Rolls or another named person.
“We cannot confirm (or otherwise) whether specific complaints have been received. Doing so could identify people involved or affect the integrity of the process.
“We recognise the importance of completing investigations as promptly as possible. We must also ensure that relevant information is properly considered, that affected people are treated fairly and that privacy and natural justice obligations are met.
“We offer support for anyone involved in an investigation – free and confidential counselling services from an independent provider. This is available throughout the process.”
Sport NZ’s position
Sport NZ earlier confirmed it had been asked to provide a list of possible names to fill the role of an independent director of WPNZ.
“With the resignations from the board of Water Polo New Zealand and the resulting loss of experience, WPNZ has asked Sport NZ to identify some experienced governors with proven experience in the federated sport environment, who could join the board,” said Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle.
Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle. Photo / Photosport
“We have now identified some names, which we have sent to WPNZ for consideration. Whoever ultimately takes on this role will not be a Sport NZ representative – they will sit on the WPNZ board independently – to assist them through the current challenges they are facing.”
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.