LOCK HIM UP

Just like swimming did six years ago, Cycling New Zealand (CNZ) closed the hub portion of its centralised training programme this week. The beginning of the end has arrived. However, the stupidity of the wasted millions is meaningless compared to the crass ignorance of those in charge of CNZ and Sport New Zealand. They are revolting people who have no place in a civilised society.

For example, this is what CNZ’s CEO said when he announced the hub’s closure. I have reprinted it in bold to stress the extent of Landry’s (CEO of CNZ) and Castle’s (CEO of Sport New Zealand) depravity:

“Post the Tokyo Games, we have experienced many hurdles – one of the biggest being funding challenges,”

How could Castle approve an announcement like that? How could Landry send it to the media? Do they have no conscious? Is there nothing they would not do to hold onto power? In what sort of zoo do they belong?

How could they stress the difficulties of money in a six-month period when, in my opinion, they are both open to the accusation of participating in the death of one of their best competitors? What are their priorities? Money or human life? In this case we have it in black and white – money wins.

For CNZ to hold a press conference that does not first recognize the brutality that killed Olivia is beyond belief. Clearly Landry and Castle have decided to move on. Olivia’s death has had its time. Now it is back to business as usual. I ask again – in what sort of zoo do they belong?

That attitude repeated a thousand times for 20 years killed Podmore, destroyed swimming and cycling and is now attempting to ruin the life of a New Zealand double canoeing Gold Medallist. If the great hand of God was to go down as far as it could and lift Landry and Castle up as high as it could, they would still be below the bottom.

Nothing should be described as a greater challenge than Podmore’s life. To put money ahead of resolving the issues around her death is depravity beyond measure.   

Not that the priorities of New Zealand sport should surprise anyone. Readers may remember the day after Olivia Podmore’s death, Castle and Landry called a press conference. Someone asked Landry what were the issues that caused him concern. He strenuously replied that the effect on his staff was his major concern. Seemingly as an afterthought he added, “and Olivia’s family and friends”. But the moment had passed. Landry’s mates had taken priority over the victim.

And then last night money was Landry’s priority. No wonder Podmore’s mother has not heard from Landry or CNZ since the death of her daughter. Who needs to talk to the mother when there are mates, money and me to take care of? That guy should not be allowed to leave New Zealand until he answers in full for his actions. But you wait and see – Raelene Castle will let him go. The quicker Castle can replace anyone associated with Podmore, the less attention will be focused on her. Castle knows full well the value of out of sight, out of mind.  

Because, in my view, a boss with integrity would have resigned already. The lies told by CNZ, the hush-money payments, the culture of musical beds, the cheating at the Olympic Games and a death linked to the sport would be enough to see a responsible decent person fall on their sword. Have we seen any sign of Castle leaving? No of course not. Hell will freeze over before Castle acts with dignity and honour. Not when there are mates, money and me to take care of.

With some justification New Zealand has taken pride in its world ranking for honesty. In 2021 New Zealand was ranked the world’s 5th most honest nation. In business, politics, bureaucracy New Zealanders value their word. There is little place for Machiavellian philosophy in New Zealand life.

The exception is the administration of sport. In that area of New Zealand life Machiavelli is alive and well. I am not talking about those who play the game. They follow the rest of the country for honesty and respect for fair play. The administration of sport especially at the top, is riven with deception. Machiavelli said, “Politics have no relation to morals.” In New Zealand that is not true. If he had said, “Senior sport’s administration has no relation to morals,” we could have agreed. And our proof would be there for all to see in the behaviour of Ms. Castle’s empire.

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