Review into High Performance Sport NZ, Cycling NZ delayed

THE independent review into High Performance Sport New Zealand and Cycling New Zealand has been delayed until at least midOctober.

The review, conducted by former solicitorgeneral Michael Heron QC, was sched uled for completion by August 31. More time was requested to complete interviews and gather comments.

Before release, the report and any responses will go before the boards of HPSNZ and Cycling NZ.

The extension has been agreed by HPSNZ in accord ance with the terms of reference.

The report’s true worth will hinge on whether athletes felt comfortable divulging information after earlier betrayals of confidence.

The review was triggered by cycling sprint coach Anthony Peden’s resignation.

Heron is looking into allegations levelled at Peden, including a culture of bullying, drinking and an inappropriate relationship with an athlete.

The review will also assess the circumstances surrounding allegations the former New Zealand sprint coach received identifiable docu mentation of athletes’ Rio Olympic reviews via HPSNZ. These were meant to be conducted in confidence with HPSNZ employees Hamish Carter, Eddie Kohlhase and Paul Smith, and collated anonymously.

HPSNZ chief executive Michael Scott earlier said both bodies were committed to acting on Heron’s recommendations, and that athletes should rekindle their faith in the system.

‘‘Certainly if athletes had their privacy breached, that would be a major concern and something to address.’’