North Harbour Gymnastics’ response

In response to Joanne’s allegations, North Harbour Gymnastics chief executive Mike Thompson issued the following statement:

“North Harbour Gymnastics acknowledges and is open to receiving the allegations published and treat them with the utmost seriousness and importance. We will investigate them with urgency.

“The board met on Saturday and has been discussing matters daily since. We are confirming an action plan and reconfirming the work that has and is being done.

“We held an open forum on Tuesday to discuss the allegations and work that had been done over the last few years and will be done going forward — 58 attended.

“In motion are the following:

1. Confirming sports chaplaincy and employee assistance programme services for independent and anonymous counselling support for gymnasts, families and staff.

2. Establishing a representative task force to address concerns and recommend a path forward.

3. Engaging an independent safety officer in addition to our current health and safety lead to ensure the safety of coaches and gymnasts.

4. Engagement of independent safeguarding consultants to advise our work.

5. Confirmation of an updated member protection policy (including staff ) and complaints procedure (which was received July 27 and is in its second draft).

6. The one case we have specific knowledge of will be independently investigated. We don’t have the ability to investigate anything else as we don’t know when they took place or the coaches involved.

A 360 degree review of the programme.

Anonymous survey of members to get quantitative data on programme satisfaction.

9. More forums.

“Mechanisms for safe and anonymous feedback and complaints will be confirmed at a local level shortly.

“The national Interim Complaints Mechanism has been put in place and is available via the GNZ website.

“We encourage all feedback as we continue to strive for an environment of fun, positivity and safety.”