SNZ Review - Swimming New Zealand

Section 6 – Review Findings
d
e
Overall there is no coherent or transparent multiyear High Performance strategy in place to underpin the
development of the sport.
follow through of major projects by SNZ. Whilst this is true, it is more the symptom than the cause in that
the project issues demonstrate a breakdown of leadership and a failure to take the sport along with the
to do, the hidden agendas and the conspiracy theories, etc. involved. However, what the Working Group
by SNZ, even if it had the best interests of the sport at heart in seeking to implement core platforms
underpinning the future of the sport and there were no hidden agendas or predetermined outcomes.
needs to be extensive personal interaction and communication. Often SNZ has been perceived as doing
communication with members in advance of the meeting). However there is a two way responsibility
tried to consult on with Regions, it either received no replies, or simply received negative responses with
no suggested solutions having been proffered. This is symptomatic of the breakdown in the relationship
between SNZ and its members, and the culture that the sport needs to change in order to succeed.
communication’ and complete transparency, including fronting when things do not go well, explaining
approach.
The size of Regions and Clubs and the access to different funding across New Zealand results in variable
variability in leadership throughout the sport. Some Regions have developed their own Strategic Plans and
have formed strong partnerships with Regional Sporting Trusts and have sport development initiatives
underway to grow the sport, while others have not.
There are also different views amongst Regions as to what development support would be welcomed
from SNZ, with some Regions looking for help with programs to support such things as Club and coach
development and others saying they do not want centralised interference and see this as disempowering
differences.
Finally the inconsistency relates to the number and size of the Regions (from Whanganui with one Club
and 62 members to Auckland with 17 Clubs and over 2000 competitive and Club members). For the
irrespective of where they live.
6.5. CONCLUSION
The themes from the Review’s research and consultation were consistent, with strong agreement on the
issues that need to be addressed.
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SWIMMING IN NEW ZEALAND – Growing a Cornerstone Sport