Former Solicitor General Michael Heron will conduct the independant review into the culture of Cycling New Zealand and actions of High Performance Sport New Zealand
Former Solicitor-General Michael Heron, QC Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
After the controversial departure of sprint head coach Anthony Peden, the services of former Solicitor General Michael Heron have been acquired to undergo the wider review in response to allegations made on the matter.
The highly successful coach Peden surprisingly stepped down from his role last week, citing his "all-encompassing approach" didn't align to that of Cycling New Zealand.
However, subsequent reports from TVNZ linked him to allegations of bullying, an inappropriate relationship with an athlete and drinking issues.
The review will focus on allegations about the culture of Cycling New Zealand and the actions of High Performance Sport NZ in response.
Former New Zealand sprint coach Anthony Peden Photo: Photosport Ltd 2016 www.photosport.nz
High Performance Sport NZ chief executive Michael Scott says based on the complexity of the review, Heron's credentials including reviewing the All Blacks' failed 2007 campaign is the best fit.
"He's an investigator, he's a QC and he has conducted many such reviews in government and the corporate sector." says Scott.
"He has undertaken a review of the All Blacks back in 2007 so his skills and experience make him an ideal candidate to undertake this important review."
Missing from the independant review announcement was Cycling New Zealand chief executive Andrew Matheson.
New Zealand Cycling chair Tony Mitchell revealed Matheson took an unexpected leave of absence with health issues immediately after concerns were raised over the failure to deal with allegations of misconduct surrounding Peden - something Matheson may have been aware of and didn't act on.
"Andrew has the support of the board and we hope he returns soon." says Mitchell
"We do have some questions for Andrew but all of the partners that I have phoned to talk about the current situationhave been very supportive of Andrew."
"Andrews health issues I havent had clarified to me but at this stage he is on leave until he is well enough to come back."
The review will commence immediately and will be concluded by August 31 2018 unless otherwise agreed.
- RNZ
