Tēnā koutou.

Welcome to the 2021 Cycling New Zealand & High Performance Sport New Zealand Inquiry.

Tēnā koutou. Welcome to the 2021 Cycling New Zealand & High Performance Sport New Zealand Inquiry.

16 May 2022

The final report has been delivered to CNZ and HPSNZ and is now available to the public.

Update

The final report has been delivered to CNZ and HPSNZ and will be made available to the public on 16 May.

 17 November 2021

Kia ora koutou,

To all those who have participated in the Inquiry so far, thank you for your generous contributions and openness. We are grateful to those who have shared their time and thoughts with us as part of this process.

We have heard from more than 150 people, but COVID-19 restrictions have prevented us from meeting with many of you in person, and from travelling as a panel to Cambridge.

For that reason, we have advised Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) that we will not be in a position to deliver our draft report before the end of 2021 as originally intended. Instead, we propose to deliver our draft in February 2022, and hope that this will give us time to connect with more participants in person, visit the home of Cycling New Zealand in Cambridge, and come together as a panel for a hui to discuss our findings and recommendations. Cycling New Zealand and HPSNZ have agreed to that proposal.

We remain keen to speak with anyone who wants to contribute to the Inquiry, and particularly with the athletes who are central to Aotearoa’s sporting environment. Please contact us by 30 November 2021 if you would like to get involved. Our survey will also remain live until 30 November 2021.

Noho ora mai,
Sarah and Mike

Background to the Inquiry

On 19 August 2021, Cycling New Zealand together with High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), announced there would be an independent inquiry (Inquiry) following the tragic death of cyclist Olivia Podmore on 9 August 2021.

In 2018, Cycling New Zealand and HPSNZ commissioned an independent review into allegations of poor conduct and systemic issues. Michael Heron QC conducted that inquiry and reported to Cycling New Zealand and HPSNZ in October 2018. The report outlined various recommendations for change. You can read the 2018 report here.

Olivia was part of Cycling New Zealand’s high-performance programmes prior to, during, and since Mr Heron’s 2018 review. Given the tragedy of Olivia’s death, Cycling New Zealand and HPSNZ commissioned this Inquiry to reflect on what progress has been made based on the recommendations from the 2018 Report and whether further action is required.

All communications with the Inquiry will be held in confidence and in accordance with the Privacy Act. The panel will not disclose the names of anyone who contacts the Inquiry to the public, Cycling NZ or HPSNZ except with consent of the person involved, or where required by law. Information received by the panel will be shared with its legal advisor(s) on a confidential basis to assist the panel with its analysis and preparation of the report in accordance with the Terms of Reference.

The Inquiry will follow several stages.
Inquiry progress is currently at stage
0

Panel Members

The multi-disciplinary Inquiry panel is made up of four members, each with different areas of expertise and representation across the sport system. You can read full bios on each panel member here.

Michael Heron QC

Michael Heron QC is a leading QC in commercial and regulatory litigation and arbitrations. He is one of New Zealand’s leading QCs and is a trusted legal advisor to New Zealand businesses, government entities, and public bodies.

Dr Sarah Leberman, MNZM

Dr Sarah Leberman, MNZM is a professor of Leadership, Massey University, and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Women in Sport Aotearoa. Professor Leberman brings expertise relating to women and leadership in sport.

Headshot of Lesley Nicol

Dr Lesley Nicol ONZM

Dr Lesley Nicol is a specialist Sport and Exercise Physician, with a background in physiotherapy and elite sport. Dr Nicol has worked with top level teams and is currently a member of the NZOC Selection Committee.

Genevieve Macky

Genevieve Macky, an Olympic Silver Medallist, represented New Zealand in rowing at the 2016 Olympics. Ms Macky brings an elite athlete perspective.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry are available here. This includes important information and context on the process the Inquiry will follow.

Support Services

If you or someone you know needs extra support at this time, these support services and resources may assist.

Contact and engage with the Inquiry

The Inquiry is seeking the views of a broad and diverse range of stakeholders in the cycling and/or high-performance space. If you think you have relevant insights, want to provide feedback, or make a complaint, please get in touch with us.