Equestrian in shock at McVean’s ban for life
“Towards the conclusion of the tour she failed to demonstrate individual responsibility by words and actions.”
Dana Kirkpatrick, general manager of ESNZ, confirmed to the Herald McVean was asked to step down as Jumping NZ’s high performance manager, a position he held since December last year.
ESNZ first became aware of the allegations against the fatherdaughter pair during the latter part of the tour, with a judicial committee — headed by barrister Felix Geiringer — established to investigate the claims, Kirkpatrick said.
The committee was due to hold its hearing next week but the parties had “resolved matters between them” during the unannounced mediation.
“ESNZ was aware that the parties were considering attending a private mediation. However, ESNZ was unaware that a mediation was to be held last Monday.
“As to the agreement reached, it is likely enforceable between the parties as part of their settlement,” Kirkpatrick said.
She insisted although no ban or suspension has been imposed by ESNZ, the organisation “intends to respect the agreement”.
Kirkpatrick wouldn’t divulge information on the nature of the complaints.
McVean referred the Herald to Hammond, who also declined to comment.
Laurie and husband, Jackson, relocated to Australia earlier this year.
She made history as New Zealand’s youngest showjumping equestrian when she rode at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and was the best performed Kiwi in the World Cup final when finishing sixth equal at the Leipzig event in 2011. Laurie was inducted into the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show Hall of Fame in 2015 and is described as the “golden girl” of New Zealand showjumping by website nzequestrian.org.nz.