Gymnastics New Zealand Whole of Sport review

As you will be aware, in August 2020, Gymnastics New Zealand (Gymnastics NZ) commissioned David Howman to conduct an Independent Review into the sport, following the distressing and deeply concerning allegations of physical, mental and emotional abuse of former and current athletes.

Mr Howman, and his assistants Dr Lesley Nicol and Rachel Vickery, have now completed this review and are preparing to release it.

Gymnastics NZ will receive the report on Thursday 4 February. Once the organisation has had an opportunity to read and digest the report, it will be released to the gymnastics community, key stakeholders, and other interested parties, in full and unedited, on Tuesday 9 February.

Gymnastics NZ thanks you for your patience, and we look forward to being in touch again on 9 February.

The independent Whole of Sport Review launched by Gymnastics New Zealand (Gymnastics NZ) in response to the exposure of unsafe and abusive practices in the sport, both historical and current, has now concluded the submission phase. The review team of David Howman, Lesley Nicol and Rachel Vickery are now compiling the report that will present the findings of the review and outline any recommendations.

It is envisaged that this report will be provided to Gymnastics NZ in the new year, no later than 4 February 2021. The full and unedited report will be released upon its receipt.

Gymnastics NZ would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has come forward to share their experiences, complaints, issues, concerns, observations and suggestions. We know that sharing these experiences has not been easy, and we applaud your bravery in doing so. Your contributions are vital in helping provide better gymnastic experiences for everyone involved, now and in the future.

The Independent Complaints Mechanism continues to operate separately for those who may still wish to come forward in confidence. The mechanism can be reached via the Safe Sport email or the ICM directly. Both details can also be found on the home page of the Gymnastics NZ website.

Once we have received the report, we will be able to provide more information around the format and timeframe required to review it and then evaluate and implement the proposed recommendations.

Gymnastics NZ will ensure this process includes collaboration with athlete’s past and present, coaches, clubs, volunteers, and key stakeholders such as Sport NZ, the Human Rights Commission and athlete representative groups.

We look forward to working with you during 2021 to realise the full potential for change we believe will be presented by the review. We will update you again, once the report has been released.

Regards,

Tony Compier

CEO – Gymnastics NZ

The independent, Whole of Sport Review of Gymnastics in New Zealand was due for completion mid-October. However, David Howman—the Reviewer—has requested an initial one-month extension.

As per the flexibility granted by the Terms of Reference, and in the interest of a full and thorough review, this request for an extension has been granted. This now moves the expected completion date to mid-November.

Full details of the review can be found at www.gymnasticsreview.co.nz.