19 May 2012

Call to re-jig swimming body disappoints

6:05 am on 19 May 2012

Swimming New Zealand's controversial chief executive Mike Byrne says he is disappointed with the findings of an independent review of the sport.

The review, carried out by former New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller, recommends the entire board resign and the role of chief executive be overhauled.

It was undertaken after a falling out between the national body and its regional organisations over the way the sport was being run.

In a statement, Mr Byrne said that in his five years in the role he's taken the organisation from a $280,000 deficit to having accumulated funds of $430,000.

He says says the review suggests a new chief executive with different skills needs to be recruited to enable the organisation move forward and it's a matter he's currently discussing with Swimming New Zealand.

Mr Byrne says he won't be making any further comment on the issue.

Mr Moller calls for a new constitution and introduction of a new process for board appointments.

He also calls for a new definition of the chief executive's role

Auckland Swimming chief executive Brian Palmer, who's been critical of the board's management, has welcomed the recommendations saying they go further than he could have hoped.

The review hasn't recommended a reduction in the number of regions but but suggests if regions wish to amalgamate voluntarily they should.