There is no suggestion the behaviour the Olympian is accused of has any link to the former kitchen worker\u2019s alleged offending.<\/p>\n
The association told members on Wednesday night about its external review, but said its board was \u201cfully in support\u201d of how management handled the issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe obtained independent HR and legal advice at the time, and we followed this external advice on how the issues were managed.\u201d<\/p>\n
NHHA told the Herald last week it had conducted an internal review in 2025 after \u201cinitial concerns\u201d were raised about the former Olympian, but \u201cnothing was found\u201d.<\/p>\n
North Harbour Hockey Association has defended its handling of the scandal and launched an independent review. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
The association declined to comment on further Herald inquiries when approached yesterday. <\/p>\n
Multiple members of the hockey community told the Herald they raised concerns in 2023 and 2024 with NHHA about the coach\u2019s interactions with players.<\/p>\n
One hockey source told the Herald that after issues about the coach\u2019s alleged close relationship with a player were raised with them in 2023, they \u201cimmediately\u201d reported it to association management. <\/p>\n
They alleged: \u201cAs soon as I started talking about it [one member of management] went ape s*** basically.\u201d<\/p>\n
The person said the leader told them NHHA was \u201caware\u201d and had looked into the claims. <\/p>\n
They also said they raised it with a different leader about a year later, but they were not told of any action taken. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese are not my values. These are not my standards, this is not what I stand for and this is not why I\u2019m here,\u201d the person said.<\/p>\n
The person told the Herald parents had expressed to them that they felt unable to raise concerns about the coach\u2019s alleged behaviour with players as they feared their daughters would be retaliated against.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of them said there is \u2018no way in hell\u2019 they would say anything as it would be held against them.\u201d <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The person claimed there was a \u201cculture of fear\u201d and an \u201cold boys\u2019 club\u201d at NHHA. <\/p>\n
\u2018Failed the kids\u2019<\/p>\n
A copy of a complaint sent to the NHHA board under the organisation\u2019s whistleblower policy was shared with the Herald. <\/p>\n
It followed the former NHHA kitchen staffer being charged with allegedly indecently assaulting two teenage girls.<\/p>\n
The complaint stated: \u201cI wholeheartedly believe NHHA failed the kids involved, and we continue to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
The complainant wrote they were concerned that if they came forward, there would be a \u201cbig target\u201d on their back. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have realised the talk about Harbour values, wh\u0101nau and the Harbour way is exactly that, all talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u201ctrauma\u201d those allegedly impacted would face.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Good Governance\u2019 <\/p>\n
Sports New Zealand awarded the NHHA a \u201cGood Governance Mark\u201d last November. <\/p>\n
The designation is for boards assessed as having good systems, policies and processes in place. <\/p>\n
Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said the agency was aware of the issues at NHHA.<\/p>\n
\u201cHockey NZ is working hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the players involved, which is a priority for both organisations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Castle said that when issues arise, it is the board\u2019s responsibility to ensure it responds in line with its policies. <\/p>\n
\u201cGiven 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hockey New Zealand CEO Michelle Hollands.<\/p>\n
Hockey New Zealand chief executive Michelle Hollands earlier confirmed her agency had undertaken a review after player concerns were raised.<\/p>\n
\u201cHockey New Zealand does not have the authority to instruct or act on behalf of member associations or clubs,\u201d Hollands told the Herald this week.<\/p>\n
The agency was the national governing body, responsible for leading, promoting and developing hockey in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Hollands said 32 affiliated member associations and more than 300 clubs deliver the game at the community level.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n