The fallout from a damning independent review of Cycling New Zealand has continued with chief executive Andrew Matheson
resigning.
The review of the sport's high performance track programme carried out by Michael Heron QC was released last month and
found a culture of bullying, poor behaviour, lack of accountability and an inappropriate relationship all existed within
a dysfunctional programme.
Matheson has been in the CEO's role for the past five years and the sport's chair Tony Mitchell conceded the past few
months have been tough.
"It is fair to say the last six months have been challenging as the sport faced its recent Heron Review and we are
grateful of Andrew's work to steady the ship during this very difficult time.
"He worked closely with the board and the review team and has led the organisation's implementation phase of the review
recommendations."
Despite the daming review Mitchell said Matheson had taken the sport forward.
"Andrew's achievements include rebuilding relationships with our member and stakeholder organisations, implementation of
our six performance hubs, securing and running UCI World Cup events in New Zealand, implementation of our change
programme after the Rio Olympics and delivering the best-ever Commonwealth Games results by Cycling New Zealand just to
name a few," he said.
Matheson described his time in the role as a "privlege" and believes the sport has responded well to Heron Review and
maintains the organisation "is well positioned to handle the ongoing challenges".
"In roles like this in sport you are never an owner but rather a guardian, and I am handing on the baton with real
satisfaction that I have contributed my all in making the organisation and sport notably better than when I started. We
have achieved some amazing things and I believe the organisation is now well positioned for a very successful future.
"It has been a real privilege to work in Cycling New Zealand, and we have some outstanding people in the organisation.
We have humble and hardworking athletes and a very capable and dedicated group of staff members. I would like to
specifically thank the senior leadership team that have been a phenomenal support to me and the organisation across this
year in particular."
Matheson will leave at Christmas with the board to appoint an interim CEO to guide the organisation over the next six
months while it seeks a permanent replacement.