Water polo bullying allegations: NZ player’s scathing email – women’s programme ‘almost killed me’

The athlete has pulled out of a planned “facilitated discussion” in which she and two other team members were due to meet Shine and other board representatives today. It is understood that the meeting, facilitated by the Sport Integrity Commission, will still take place with the other two athletes.

“I no longer wish to have any contact with Water Polo New Zealand,” the athlete wrote in her email, addressed to Shine, board members, life members and the chairs of New Zealand’s 20 water polo clubs.

The athlete was part of the New Zealand White Caps women’s team on last year’s ill-fated trip to Europe and Singapore.

“Helping to make the culture in Water Polo New Zealand safe is not my responsibility, although I tried very hard,” she wrote in the email, which she also sent to the Herald.

“I don’t wish for anyone to experience what I went through in this programme.

“For my wellbeing, I can no longer try and make a change. I will not be attending the facilitated discussion to negotiate because under no circumstances will I ever represent New Zealand again.”

The athlete has just completed a scholarship at one university and has been accepted on scholarship to another. It is understood she is eyeing other potential international opportunities.

“What has happened throughout this process has permanently changed the way I view this organisation and many of the adults involved in it,” the athlete wrote in her email to Water Polo NZ.

“The culture within this programme, the intertwined relationships between the head coach, CEO and players, followed by the continued protection of that environment by people in management and governance positions, have been deeply disturbing to witness.”

She said what she found “most alarming” was not only the alleged behaviour, but the number of people who, she alleged, chose to ignore or defend it.

“My conscience is completely clean. I know the truth of what occurred, and I know how hard many of us fought to be heard. I have ultimately learned that speaking up will lead to your removal.

“This programme ... almost killed me. This is no longer about what I need personally. It is a warning that this environment is unsafe.

“The way WPNZ has treated this current complaint, as well as my initial experience of bullying three years ago in the program, leads me to believe somebody needs to be seriously harmed before meaningful change is made, and I am not going to be that player.”

She said the only thing she wanted from the planned meeting on Sunday was an apology from Water Polo NZ over the way it had handled her complaint.

“It is clear to me now that this organisation is more interested in protecting itself than confronting what has happened.

“I wish the athletes within the system the very best, and I sincerely hope one day they are given the safe, professional, and accountable high-performance environment they deserve.”

Shine, Water Polo NZ’s interim chair, wrote back to all of those on the athlete’s email chain, including the Herald, saying he recognised “the seriousness of what she has shared”.

“It is clear that her experience has had a significant personal impact. That is something we should all reflect on with care and empathy.

“I will be responding to [the athlete] directly. Out of respect for her, and in recognition of her clearly expressed wish to disengage, I will not be copying that response more broadly. This is to ensure her privacy is respected and that any further communication with her remains appropriate and measured.

“I appreciate that many of you will have strong reactions to what has been raised. At this stage, it is important that we allow the appropriate processes to run their course.

“I and the board will continue to press for the Sport Integrity Commission process to be progressed and concluded as promptly as possible, while we also continue to consider and implement measures aimed at improving player welfare and wellbeing across the programme.”

Shine declined further comment.

The Sport Integrity Commission said while it could not comment on “specific details of resolution processes or the individuals involved, we can confirm that we have been actively working with relevant parties to try to achieve an outcome that works for everyone”.

That work was ongoing, a spokeswoman said in a written response to Herald questions.

Asked specifically about the concerns raised by the athlete in her email, the spokeswoman said: “We always acknowledge the hurt and distress that our complainants can suffer, and a key part of why the commission exists is to support them when they are going through these experiences”.

“In this case, we have reached out to the complainant to reiterate the fact they can access free and confidential counselling services through us, to support them to get help they need.”

The Herald has been investigating numerous allegations within New Zealand water polo for several months.

The Herald first reported in February that the Sport Integrity Commission was investigating claims of bullying within Water Polo NZ’s senior women’s programme, amid concerns for some athletes’ wellbeing.

The allegations followed an apparent rift between a group of senior and junior players during the five-week tour in Europe and Asia last year that culminated in the world championships in Singapore in July.

There have been allegations of bullying, an alleged violent physical act, and broader claims of selection “favouritism”, as the sport strives to have its senior women’s team qualify for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

While three athletes raised serious allegations about the way they were treated on last year’s tour, there have also been broader governance and leadership concerns raised by dozens of people spoken to by the Herald.

New Zealand’s 20 water polo clubs have subsequently wielded their power and influence.

Water Polo chair Alex Howieson abruptly resigned last month, two days after a majority of clubs called for her to step down.

She was followed out the door last weekend by deputy chair Megan Thomson, who did not seek reappointment at Water Polo NZ’s AGM. Some clubs had said they would not support her continuing in the role.

As clubs start to wield more power, the sport is at a delicate moment in its history, as it awaits the findings of the Sport Integrity Commission’s investigation.

At the same time, it needs to continue to plan its senior women’s campaign – the White Caps are on the verge of a historic appearance at the Los Angeles Olympics in just over two years.

Big dilemmas and questions loom for Shine, his board and the Water Polo NZ leadership team as to whether any of those involved in the commission investigation should be stood down until the agency produces its findings, or whether it’s okay for them to be on proposed senior women’s team trips to China and Australia in the coming months.

The commission says its investigation is “well advanced”. It is understood that it should be completed by the end of June.

The commission won’t say why its investigation has taken so long.

“Investigation timeframes depend on a number of factors, some of which are outside of our control,” the commission spokeswoman said.

“The issues in this matter are complex and sensitive and must be handled with care. We aim to progress matters as efficiently as possible, while ensuring our work is fair, thorough and protects the rights and confidentiality of those involved.”

As reported by the Herald last week, sources have indicated there is somewhat of an uneasy truce within the sport, with all eyes on the commission and where Water Polo NZ lands in terms of the senior women’s programme in the next few weeks and months.

Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.