World Powerlifting NZ

** WPNZ STATEMENT ON RECENT OVERSEAS NEWS **

First and foremost, we acknowledge that World Powerlifting New Zealand (WPNZ) takes the allegations made in Australia as a very serious concern to our members' safety.

WPNZ are steadfast in how we manage ourselves and our commitment to professionalism and policy in sport in New Zealand. We understand the concern that members may have regarding the association to the allegations and impress that there is both an organisational process and legal process in Australia that has commenced.

In the last 24 hours, World Powerlifting have been involved with working with Powerlifting Australia regarding the due process that must take place to investigate the allegations.

WPNZ’s role in this due process is limited. We have no input in matters pertaining to Powerlifting Australia nor are we able to answer questions on this process.

We are working closely with World Powerlifting to navigate the situation and its implications, first and foremost to ensure athletes' safety here in WPNZ and second to future events.

We appreciate the countless hours of training and preparation that all WPNZ athletes, coaching personnel and volunteers have put into preparation for the WPNZ National Championships. This news does not in any way put our National Championships at risk and this will continue as scheduled.

WPNZ will continue discussions with World Powerlifting as more information comes to light regarding the investigation and make any further statements in due course.

We acknowledge the public reaction to the events and appreciate the amount of care our community has invested into the safety of our athletes. We are not taking these events lightly. We do not want to make a quick decision but rather the correct decision for our members.