Gymnastics New Zealand Formally Adopts National Integrity Code

Gymnastics New Zealand has officially adopted the Code for Integrity in Sport and Recreation, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and cultural standards.

The adoption was commemorated last week during a ceremony held at the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui offices. This move signals a deliberate shift toward sector-wide alignment, with Gymnastics New Zealand joining a growing list of national sporting organisations committed to implementing the minimum standards framework designed to make sport safer and fairer across Aotearoa.

The Integrity Code provides a consistent set of guidelines aimed at preventing harmful behaviours and addressing integrity issues regardless of the setting, whether at the grassroots club level or within national administrative bodies. For Gymnastics New Zealand, the adoption serves as a progression of long-term initiatives focused on safeguarding participants and refining internal responses to misconduct.

Highlighting that the decision was the culmination of sustained collaboration across the sport’s community, outgoing CEO of Gymnastics New Zealand, Andrea Nelson, said: “This commitment reflects the huge amount of work that’s gone on right across our community over many years.”

“Our clubs, coaches, volunteers and staff put in an incredible effort every day to create positive, safe gymnastics experiences for our people.

“Adopting and embedding the Integrity Code is a natural next step for us.

“It builds on the progress we’ve made to strengthen culture, safeguarding and how we respond when things are not right, and helps ensure our sport continues to be a place where everyone feels safe, supported and able to thrive,” Nelson stated.

The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui has lauded the decision as a reflection of proactive leadership. General Counsel and acting CEO of the Commission, Paul O’Neil, emphasised the broader implications for the sector.

“We’re very excited to welcome Gymnastics New Zealand as the latest national sporting organisation to adopt the Integrity Code.”

“They have shown great leadership and commitment in prioritising the safety and wellbeing of their people and having them adopt the Integrity Code is a significant step towards achieving a more consistent integrity system across the sport and recreation sector,” O’Neil said.

Gymnastics New Zealand now joins several other organisations that have already integrated the code, including the NZ Esports Federation, Weightlifting New Zealand, Ice Hockey New Zealand, and NZ Skate. The organisation aims to ensure that every participant across its network engages in a safe, fair, and respectful environment.

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