Scandal has hit the Maadi Cup after three Christchurch high school rowing coaches were sent home from the regatta.
Shirley Boys’ High headmaster Tim Grocott confirmed in a statement the trio had been sent home from the competition at Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel because of their conduct.
“Iwas made aware of concerns about the conduct of three coaches on Tuesday, 24 March,” Grocott said.
“The three male coaches are contracted to coach rowing, but are not employees of Shirley Boys’ High School.
“It was clear from the concerns raised that the conduct was not acceptable and did not reflect the values and expectations of the school.”
The Star reported female rowing coaches complained about their behaviour on the opening day of the Maadi Cup while the trio were socialising.
Three coaches were sent home from this year's Maadi Cup. Photo / Sarah Morcom
“The head of rowing spoke with the coaches and informed them that they would need to return home and could have not further part in the Maadi regatta,” the headmaster said.
“I was not aware of any other complaints during the rowing season and the action taken by the school relates to the Maadi Cup regatta.
“The school is treating this as a serious matter, and there is already of review of the season underway, which will include following up on this matter.”
Grocott did not name the coaches involved, while Rowing New Zealand chief executive Simon Wickham said to The Star the matter was up to the school to comment on.
Nearly 2300 athletes from 127 schools participated in this year’s Maadi Cup, with Shirley Boys’ High taking home a silver medal in the under-17 double sculls and bronze in the under-17 quad sculls.
In February 2025, police called for reinforcements after a large group of intoxicated people caused havoc at the NZ Rowing Championships in Twizel.
More than 500 intoxicated people were reported to have flooded the town after the regatta finals, which resulted in assaults, property damage and public disturbances.
