Adoption of Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui Integrity Code

At Water Polo New Zealand, we are proud of the communities that make up our sport — our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff, whānau, and partners. The wellbeing of everyone involved in water polo, and the integrity of how our sport is delivered, must always come first.

Today, we are proud to formally announce our organisation’s commitment to adopting and implementing the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui’s Integrity Code.

A Leadership Commitment to Integrity

This is an important step for Water Polo New Zealand and reflects our leadership’s clear and ongoing commitment to integrity, safety, and community wellbeing across all levels of our sport. 

What is the Integrity Code?

The Integrity Code is a nationally consistent framework developed by the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui that sets clear expectations for behaviour and practice across sport. It provides guidance for creating environments that are safe, inclusive, fair, and respectful for all participants.

What Does the Integrity Code Do?

The Code addresses key areas of integrity in sport, including:

• Safeguarding children and young people
• Preventing bullying, harassment, and abuse
• Promoting ethical conduct
• Ensuring consistent and fair responses to integrity concerns

It provides clear guidance on the responsibilities of individuals and organisations, helping ensure that when issues arise, they are addressed transparently and appropriately.

Why Does This Matter?

Integrity is fundamental to trust. Trust in how we lead, how we compete, how we treat one another, and how we respond when something goes wrong. By adopting the Integrity Code, Water Polo New Zealand is strengthening our commitment to:

• Safer, more inclusive environments for everyone involved in our sport
• Clear and consistent expectations of behaviour
• Transparent and fair processes for addressing concerns
• A culture that values wellbeing alongside performance

Next Steps

Over the coming months, we will be working through a structured implementation process. This will include policy alignment, education and guidance, and clear communication about what the Integrity Code means in practice for our community. We recognise that this is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to supporting our members through this transition.

Thank you for the role you play in our sport and for your ongoing commitment to upholding the values that make water polo a positive and rewarding environment for all.

For more information about the integrity code, visit the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui website here.