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High Performance Sport NZ promise 'independence and credibility' in review of Cycling NZ saga

June 8, 2018

Michael Heron QC will address allegations of bullying and inappropriate relationships at Cycling NZ.

He investigated the All Blacks after their 2007 World Cup disaster, he's led inquiries for the government and now Michael Heron QC will be looking into High Performance Sport New Zealand and the Cycling NZ saga.

HPSNZ has hired one of the country's best legal minds, former solicitor general Heron to run an independent investigation into allegations of bullying, inappropriate relationships and a dysfunctional culture at Cycling New Zealand.

"His qualifications are very what we need," HPSNZ chief executive Michael Scott said.

"He's an investigator, he's a QC, he's conducted many such reviews in government in the corporate sector."

This is a process that both HPSNZ and CNZ want to learn from and we want to commit to not making any mistakes that have been made in the past again.

Last week, 1 NEWS uncovered a lack of action over inappropriate behaviour from former sprint coach Anthony Peden but it was also revealed how HPSNZ failed to protect confidential information they gathered as part of a Rio Olympics debrief.

The revelation was one of the reasons HPSNZ brought Heron in.

"Obviously we bring to this process an independent review conducted by a highly-qualified, skilled individual so I guess the separation of the review process from HPSNZ gives it that independence and credibility," Scott said.

The investigation was signed off by the HPSNZ board which has its own conflict of interest.

Former world champion cyclist Ali Shanks sits on both that board and the board of Cycling NZ - she understandably excused herself from the process.

While no one can be forced to take part in the investigation, Scott says a number of people have already been in touch.

With Cycling NZ chief executive Andrew Matheson on stress leave, Board chairman Tony Mitchell has stepped in.

But in the meantime, Mitchell says he's confident athletes and staff are being well supported as they look to a brighter future.

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