Minister calls abuse allegations ‘concerning’

Minister for Sport Grant Robertson says the alleged abusive practices in elite level canoe racing are ‘‘concerning’’, as athletes call for an independent investigation.

This follows a Stuff investigation that uncovered allegations of bullying, intimidation and psychological abuse of elite female Grant Robertson athletes.

The athletes claim they are broken, burnt out, and some are dealing with serious mental health issues. They allege they were routinely manipulated, lied to and bullied, and anyone who spoke out was ignored and isolated.

Several former management, support staff and High Performance service providers embedded in the Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) programme back the athletes’ claims.

Six of the nine members of the 2017/18 women’s high performance squad have quit the team in the past 18 months, effectively wiping out an entire tier of talent from the sport, leaving New Zealand short on options for the women’s K4 team for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

CRNZ chief executive Tom Ashley has rejected the suggestion ‘‘that there was, or is, a culture of bullying or harassment’’.

Robertson was briefed about the allegations on Friday.

‘‘These allegations are concerning and it is imperative that sport is safe for all athletes and

their wellbeing is paramount at all times,’’ he said.

‘‘I understand Canoe Racing New Zealand [CRNZ] and High Performance Sport New Zealand [HPSNZ] are looking into the allegations and it is my strong expectation that these issues are dealt with in a timely, fair and appropriate manner.

‘‘I would encourage any athlete with concerns to use the Independent Complaints Mechanism (ICM) which is overseen by Steph Dyhrberg and independent of Sport NZ.’’

An athlete, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was not told about the ICM’s existence until after she left elite level canoe racing. She believes the other athletes weren’t told about the ICM either.

She said while she feels the ICM is for current athletes, she will engage with it.

‘‘If it’s open to me, I’ll do whatever it takes to make change,’’ she said.

She would also like an independent review – similar to that being overseen by former World Anti Doping Agency head David Howman for gymnastics.

‘‘[CRNZ and HPSNZ] looking into [allegations] is not independent,’’ she said.

‘‘It would be good if we could have an independent investigation.’’

Ashley said he encourages those wishing to raise and address complaints to do so through either the ICM or the New Zealand Athletes’ Federation.

‘‘CRNZ will fully address any concerns raised through these channels,’’ he said.

High Performance Sport New Zealand chief executive Michael Scott said it is concerning ‘‘some athletes have not had a wholly positive experience’’.