Independent Review of New Zealand Water Polo

The New Zealand Water Polo Board has commissioned an independent review of the organisation, beginning immediately.

The last year has been a difficult one for the sport. The Board's view is that water polo in New Zealand needs a clear and shared understanding of how it got here, and a practical plan for moving forward.

Kereyn Smith CNZM has been appointed to conduct the review. Kereyn is one of New Zealand's most experienced sports administrators. She was Chief Executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee for more than a decade, and has since led governance renewal and reform work at Cycling New Zealand, Yachting New Zealand and Netball New Zealand.

Kereyn will work independently of the Board. She will determine the findings and the recommendations of the review, and it will then be the Board's job to form an action plan, informed by consultation with the Club Chairs Group.

The review will look primarily at the last two years. It will cover governance and decision-making, culture and ways of working, the operating model and financial sustainability, the balance between community and high performance, and the state of trust and relationships across the sport.

Kereyn will be connecting broadly across the sport, in particular through the Club Chairs network, as well as with individuals who play a central role in water polo, both past and present. Water Polo New Zealand will facilitate introductions so that input into the process is widespread and representative.

The report is expected around the end of November. The Board will publish a community-facing version covering the findings and recommendations, together with its response and action plan.

It is the Board’s view that this review is a vital step to use our reflections and learnings to develop a sustainable and united way forward.