July 2023

Update from Hon Kit Toogood KC, Chair of CISC and Kereyn Smith CNZM, Transformation Director

We are pleased to provide a further update on Cycling New Zealand’ (CNZs) ongoing response to the 2022 CNZ and High Performance Sport (HPSNZ) Inquiry.

The Transformation 2024 Action Plan (TP2024) forms the foundation of this ambitious and far-reaching drive to transform the culture of CNZ and continue to build trust and confidence with stakeholders.

The Cycling Integrity Steering Committee (CISC) was established and operates at arm’s length assessing and reporting progress in terms of CNZs completed tasks. This ensures a transparent, high integrity, independent assessment of the work plan.

Of the 150 tasks included in the plan, CNZ have now completed, and/or are well progressed with 135 of those tasks, providing a strong platform for reform within the organisation.

June CISC Meeting Overview

The CISC meeting in June represented another significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to positively transform cycling in New Zealand. Projects that have been reviewed and endorsed are then referred to the CNZ Board for ongoing implementation and oversight, ensuing a commitment to standards, ethics and integrity.

Comprehensive updates were provided by various CNZ representatives during the meeting. CEO Simon Peterson presented an overview of CNZ operations and strategic perspectives. Sally Miller shared progress made in people processes, development projects, culture, policy, and values work within the People, Culture, and Wellbeing domain. Christina Jacklin, Project Team Leader, provided detailed insights into the development of new resources and handbooks, athlete onboarding proposals, and presentations on female health projects.

A valuable Q&A session with athletes and coaches in the CNZ track programme took place, focusing on selection processes, communication, and team dynamics. Improved communication, transparency, and robust processes were observed. Athletes and coaches expressed a stronger sense of safety, community, and connection with management. The selection process leading into the World Championships was commended as the best to date, with positive feedback on the use of a strong selection document. Suggestions for improvement included closing the communication loop within the team and enhancing athletes' ability to voice their opinions. Overall, the feedback highlighted the strength of the team culture and the importance of support and safety.

The CISC members emphasised ongoing monitoring, risk identification, and accountability, while discussing processes, frameworks, and policies to ensure robust systems independent of specific individuals.

The proposed Governance Framework, including subcommittees, an advisory group, and updated policies, received attention, with the CISC strongly supporting the proposed refresh of CNZ governance. Recommendations will be implemented following the CNZ June Board Meeting. Aligning tracking with HPSNZ and considering the future were also discussed.

CISC received presentations on the Athlete Performance Pathway progress, with a suggestion to include the involvement of clubs, schools, and the community. Further exploration of CNZ's resource capacity to meet expectations will take place.

As a summary, the following key achievements have been recorded by CNZ and shared with key stakeholders:

· Significant engagement on cultural transformation across CNZ with progress tracked through regular checks

· EAP services continue to be available, Vitae for staff and Instep for athletes

· Alignment between CNZ, CISC and HPSNZ on actions and implementation of the Inquiry actions

· Interventions underway for policy and human resource process reform, athlete engagement, and training

· Transparency and openness emphasised, with positive progress reported by athletes

· Ongoing work to clarify roles and responsibilities, especially joint roles between HPSNZ and CNZ

· Progress on Athlete Performance Pathway document for each cycling discipline.

· Coach pathways are being developed, and refined, with cultural alignment and professional development

· Robust people management processes in place within CNZ, including policies and framework, reinforcing a commitment to integrity standards and wellbeing.

· Athlete support services reviewed and active, including the medical model, women’s health project and psychology model

· New framework for the organisations policies and procedures developed and approved for implementation.

· Athlete engagement and communication reported as high.

· Regular connections between HPSNZ and CNZ on the programme, performance, and funding

· Focus on securing additional funding beyond HPSNZ support

· Governance reform proposals approved for implementation by the CNZ Board, including a new structure, subcommittees and updated governance policies

· Updated Senior Leadership Team structure aligned to strategy has been formed.

Next Steps for CISC

The next CISC meeting is scheduled for September 12th. External presenters responsible for transformation projects will be invited to address topics such as psychology, women's health, and cycling-related concussions.

The development of an ongoing monitoring framework and plans for sustaining the transformation work beyond the life of CISC will become a priority in the coming months, as will the continued alignment of work between CNZ, CISC and HPSNZ on actions and implementation.

We appreciate the continuous support and engagement of the New Zealand cycling community and together we are making positive progress in fostering a culture of excellence, transparency, and accountability within CNZ and its operations.

Our commitment remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards and ensuring the long-term success and well-being of our athletes.

Best regards,

Hon Kit Toogood KC Chair of the CISC

Kereyn Smith CNZM Transformation Director

May 2023

Update – KEREYN SMITH, TRANSFORMATION DIRECTOR, CYCLING NEW ZEALAND

I am pleased to provide an update on Cycling New Zealand’s (CNZs) comprehensive response to the 2022 CNZ and High Performance Sport (HPSNZ) Inquiry.

The Transformation 2024 Action Plan (TP2024) forms the foundation of this far reaching and inclusive response, and it is timely to report progress on the cultural transformation that is underway within CNZ.

The Plan was developed as a result of thorough consultation with the CNZ Board, staff, contractors, Member Organisations, athletes, high performance personnel and the wider cycling community.

The approach to the Plan is action-oriented with 36 projects identified within 13 focus areas for CNZ to address and implement by 2024. Work is ongoing within CNZ across all of the areas of action identified.

A key focus is on the wellbeing and performance of the athletes and people within CNZ and its HP programme. A culture based on openness, inclusivity, empowerment, and integrity is fundamental to the success of the transformation work.

This action does not stop at the completion of this plan - CNZ’s commitments and focus on continual, sustainable improvement will be ongoing.

PROGRESS:

Twelve months on from the release of the Report ALL actions are now underway, and a number have been completed including:

1. Formal apology and acknowledgement by the Board of CNZ and an ongoing commitment to a comprehensive, transparent response. (In Place)

2. Widespread independent consultation and the collating of projects that align with the Inquiry’s recommendations into a Plan of Action to drive cultural transformation. (On Track)

3. The Cycling Integrity Steering Committee (CISC) was established and operates at arm’s length assessing and reporting progress regularly in terms of CNZs completed tasks and projects outlined in the Plan. (On Track)

4. Employment of a new CEO, Simon Peterson, People & Culture Manager (a new role), Sally Miller and High Performance Director, Ryan Hollows. (In Place)

5. Developed an agreed approach of operation with HPSNZ which includes complementary action on respective plans and regular meetings to track and update progress. (In Place)

6. CNZ regularly reporting progress and actions to a wide range of stakeholders including CISC, CNZ Board, Staff, members, and stakeholders including HPSNZ and SNZ as well the New Zealand cycling community. (In Place)

Further to this at its last meeting, the CISC endorsed a range of actions and recommended them to the CNZ Board for adoption and implementation that include:

· An updated approach to CNZ Pinnacle Event Debriefs and Reviews, along with the policies and procedures for selection for pinnacle events.

· An Individual Performance Plan approach for athletes in the high performance programme (i.e. TAPs athletes) which is aligned to the Inquiry recommendations.

· Updates to policy and practise for coach recruitment as well as strategies to increase the number of female coaches. (Progress in this area is aligned to HPSNZ and the cycling community with a range of new initiatives to support female high performance coaches with the likes of Laura Thompson, Elyse Fraser, Rushlee Buchanan and others in the system.)

· A Revenue Strategy outlining opportunities and approaches to growing funding streams including philanthropy, private and public funding which has been developed over recent months.

· Integrity Policies, Processes and Cultural Transformation – The CISC received an independent audit of integrity policies which will now be updated to ensure they are compliant.

We look forward to further progress during 2023 as we implement the strategies and work with CISC to ensure the steps are appropriate and independently assessed.

Updates on the implementation of the Plan will be available online at regular intervals during 2023.

It has been great working with the cycling community to continue the momentum of the Transformation Plan.

Kereyn Smith CNZM

Message from – HON KIT TOOGOOD KC, CHAIR OF CISC

I am pleased to report on the work of the CISC over the last few months.

With the strong foundation through the CISC and the Transformation Action Plan, CNZ is actively responding to the recommendations of the Inquiry while also working to build a best practise environment.

To date CISC has met four times, with the first three meetings focussed on context and understanding of the Inquiry and background; a critique of the Transformation Plan (TP2024); hearing from HPSNZ; establishment of a live tracking and monitoring system (Click Up) and a process for the CNZ team to bring forward evidence of project completion.

The fourth meeting was the first in which CISC received documentation for consideration and endorsement from the CNZ Team. This will now be the focus of future meetings.

It is apparent that the members of CISC acknowledge and understand their responsibilities and are totally committed to carrying them out. Collectively the group bring together a broad range of complementary and relevant experiences which enable a real value to be added to the work of CNZ in critiquing and advising on projects.

“This is a great group. I value the inputs from athletes Sam Dakin and Jaime Nielsen as we consider evidence and an understanding of the performance culture and operation of the NZ programme, especially in high performance.

“Simon Wickham brings a wealth of sports leadership expertise to the group and Bron Hall has valuable prior experience of people and culture transformation.”.

Our future meetings will be focussed on

- Evidence – receive and consider evidence from the CNZ project team on implementation of projects/outputs as outlined in the TP (2024).

- Projects – provided CISC are satisfied with the evidence, we will endorse the projects, or advise on what further information is required.

- Progress – Review overall progress on the implementation plan relative to established timelines and agreed milestones.

- Updates – Confirm approach to updating status publicly.

- Schedule – agreeing on the forward schedule including stakeholder engagement and timing of work for 2023 for CISC.

It is planned CISC will schedule meetings inclusive of athletes, coaches, CNZ and high performance staff, HPSNZ and specialist groups as required.

CISC received an independent audit of CNZs integrity policies and will now oversee the steps to ensure CNZ have a structure and an approach that will ensure ongoing compliance with the standards required.

CISC reviewed work completed on a range of polices and approaches that impact athletes and the high performance programme, including event debriefs, selection approaches, improvement to recruitment processes and diversity outcomes, in particular.

We commend CNZ, especially the Project Team led by Christina Jacklin, on the quality and presentation of the work to date, and the evidence of tangible outcomes and action they have provided.

I am grateful for the invaluable leadership and guidance of Kereyn Smith, CNZ Transformation Director, to date and look forward to her continued involvement in our work.

We will provide an update on our further deliberations and actions after our meeting in June.

Hon Kit Toogood KC Chair of the Cycling Integrity Steering Committee

December 2022

Update from Kereyn Smith, Transformation Director 

Dear Colleagues;

I am pleased to provide an update on Cycling New Zealand’s (CNZ’s) comprehensive response to the 2022 CNZ and HPSNZ Inquiry through the work of the Cycling Integrity Steering Committee (CISC). The Transformation Action Plan is key to this, collating projects that align with the inquiry's recommendations after thorough consultation with athletes, staff members, board personnel, HP representatives and others. This action-oriented approach in addressing issues highlighted by the inquiry includes 13 key focus actions that are underway and provide a roadmap for achieving meaningful improvement within Cycling New Zealand.

As announced earlier this year, the CISC is an independent group set up to ensure and support the Transformational Action Plan empowerment and implementation. The CISC comprises the Hon Kit Toogood KC as Chairperson, two athlete representatives Sam Dakin and Jaime Nielsen, CNZ nominee Simon Wickham and Sport NZ nominee Bron Hall. A report from the CISC Chair is included below this update. 

The CISC have met twice since October and have made good progress in confirming the terms of reference, understanding the depth of the inquiry recommendations document, establishing the values of the committee and actioning the Cycling New Zealand Transformation Action Plan.

Cycling New Zealand is committed to ensure that athletes, performance and the overall environment of the sport thrives. Many of the responses and projects identified in the Transformational Action Plan are already implemented and/or addressed. Much has changed at CNZ in terms of the athlete, performance and overall environment, and workplace. 

This progress aligns with CNZ’s commitment and focus on continual and sustained improvement. Some key areas of progress over the past three months includes:

• Formal apology and acknowledgement by the Board of Cycling New Zealand
• A statement of commitment from CNZ to proactively respond to the inquiry recommendations
• Establishment of the Cycling Integrity Steering Committee with community consultation to develop the terms of reference for this group.
• Recruitment of the CISC with the appointment of former High Court Judge Hon. Kit Toogood KC as Chair. Athlete engagement, consultation and feedback into the two athlete representatives on this group.
• Development of the CISC values on how this group will undertake its role in overseeing and supporting positive change across CNZ through the Transformational Action Plan.
• Review and discussion on the Inquiry Review to deeply understand its content, the implications for the cycling community and how to best lead a response.
• Design and development of the Transformational Action Plan that captures 13 key focus areas for positive change and includes 36 projects that CNZ has and will deliver in the next 12 months.
• Recruitment of a new People & Culture Manager by Cycling New Zealand.
• A full audit of Cycling New Zealand policy and procedure is underway to support best practice across this area.
• Linkage to other key projects in CNZ including the completion of a Revenue Strategy, updating the Partnership Agreements with the Member Organisations, CEO recruitment alongside ongoing strategy and governance work.
• Ongoing meetings with HPSNZ, Cycling New Zealand has also been able to stay connected across initiatives to ensure both organisations align their approach.

With a strong foundation through the CISC and the Transformational Action Plan, CNZ is well placed to continue its work in actively responding to the recommendations of the inquiry while also building a best practice performance environment. 2023 will see further progress as the CISC meet regularly and core projects aligned with the Transformational Action Plan are delivered with the community. CNZ will continue to regularly communicate with key stakeholders and the wider cycling community on progress. If you wish to email the CISC directly you can do so on CISC@cyclingnewzealand.nz

Updates on the implementation of the Transformation Plan will be available online on the website from January 2023. For further information check out the following link.  https://www.cyclingnewzealand.nz/about-us/cycling-integrity-steering-committee

Meanwhile it’s been great working with the Cycling Community in 2022. I look further progress and momentum in 2023.


Kereyn Smith MNZM

Transformation Director

Message from Hon Kit Toogood KC – 20 December 2022

The members of the Cycling Integrity Steering Committee bring to their roles a broad range of complementary, relevant experience in high performance sport; people and culture management; and the governance and administration of sporting and other not-for-profit organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

It was apparent from an early point that the members acknowledge and understand the responsibilities set out in the terms of reference and are fully committed to carrying them out. It was also evident that there is a high degree of mutual respect among the members, and that the committee’s work will be carried out in a trusting and frank environment. 

The first meeting of the committee was focused on sharing information about the individual members, the background to the committee’s establishment, and the current landscape in which both Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) are operating. At its second meeting on 1 December 2022, the committee addressed the draft Transformation Action Plan 2024 prepared by the Transformational Director. It approved the Plan with some changes, including emphasising the foundational importance to the transformation of:

 · psychological safety and wellbeing for athletes 

· a performance culture based on openness, inclusivity, diversity empowerment, consultation and integrity 

· transparency in key decision-making on matters such as selection, recruitment, funding, competitions and programme status 

· athlete empowerment. 

The committee also welcomed the involvement of Christina Jacklin, in the role of Project Manager, and engaged in a frank discussion with Steve Tew, Director of High Performance and Neena Ullal, General Counsel, both of HPSNZ. 

Hon Kit Toogood KC 

Chair of the Cycling Integrity Steering Committee