Sport NZ is backing steps taken by Gymnastics NZ to handle complaints over abusive coaching practices in the sport, as calls grow louder for an independent investigation.
GNZ last week launched “urgent inquiries” after a Stuff investigation uncovered allegations of a culture that normalised emotional manipulation, fat-shaming and athletes being forced to compete with serious injuries. The national body has established a separate email address to field complaints.
In addition, Sport NZ has extended its Interim Complaints Mechanism (ICM) – an independent hotline managed by a prominent lawyer – to the gymnastics community.
But calls for an independent inquiry have grown in the last few days, with several coaches, parents and athletes contacting Stuff expressing misgivings with the process, claiming prior attempts to raise concerns with GNZ had not been taken seriously.
But calls for an independent inquiry have grown in the last few days, with several coaches, parents and athletes contacting Stuff expressing misgivings with the process, claiming prior attempts to raise concerns with GNZ had not been taken seriously.
