Water Polo NZ says it has not received “any formal complaints from players in relation to allegations of bullying or favouritism”. That debrief - conducted by performance consultant and former All Blacks manager Darren Shand - was completed in December and is now in the hands of Water Polo NZ. “The name reflects a growing sense of identity, pride, and professionalism within the programme,” said a Water Polo NZ press statement last year. Howieson, an HR professional, said Water Polo NZ had “clear safeguarding policies, codes of conduct and reporting pathways”. Water Polo NZ chief executive Jan Shearer - another Olympic sailing medalist - said she was unaware of a commission investigation.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 11, 2026 17:50 UTC