The Gymnastics New Zealand (Gymnastics NZ) Board has appointed Sally McKechnie as Chair of the Gymnastics NZ Steering Committee (Steering Committee).
The Steering Committee is responsible for engaging and collaborating with many people and groups, including survivors, former and current athletes, clubs, coaches, volunteers, relevant experts, as well as representative bodies—both past and present—to ensure an inclusive and equitable process is undertaken, as it advises and proposes changes to the Board, to implement recommendations from the Independent Review.
Sally is a public and administrative lawyer, and partner at Simpson Grierson. Sally helps organisations to navigate and make sense of regulatory processes and has advised on several high profile and sensitive matters, including inquires, investigations, and Royal Commissions.
“The role of Chair of the Steering Committee is critical to leading the drive for the changes that our sport and culture needs. Sally brings impressive experience in helping organisations respond to challenges, risk assessment, policy reform, and formulating strategic responses. She also has years of experience working on issues relating to the abuse of children and vulnerable persons. We have confidence that Sally’s skills and expertise provide the strengths and capability that the Board was seeking, in leading the Steering Committee and its work,” said Quinton Hall, Chair of the Gymnastics NZ Board.
Sally also has a particular interest in youth and community sport and in safeguarding. She is currently a director of Cricket Wellington.
“I have been following the Independent Review closely and look forward to working with the people who will form the Steering Committee. This Committee has very important work to do for the future of gymnastics sports and I am very pleased to be involved” said Sally.
Quinton also commented “It is vital that the Steering Committee contains a breadth and diversity of voices and experiences. I encourage all those who care about improving gymnastics sports and culture here in New Zealand to review the draft documents and consider applying to join the Committee.
The independent Appointments Panel currently has drafts of the key skills, experience and competencies for the Steering Committee and terms of reference open for feedback, until Thursday 23 September 2021. Three hui are also being held via Zoom this week—Wednesday 8 September at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm, and Saturday 11 September at 10:00 am—to provide opportunities for the gymnastics community and interested public to connect directly with the independent Appointments Panel and Sally, who now also sits on the appointments panel.
Ends.
More information:
Anna Robertson
anna.robertson@gymnasticsnz.com
Communications Manager
Gymnastics New Zealand