High Performance Sport New Zealand says change is on the way for the Black Sticks women.
Chief executive Michael Scott's promising to review his organisation's involvement in the Black Sticks programme, after high performance staff missed signs that all was not well in the team environment.
But while he's happy to concede they could have done better, there's one thing the organisation's not prepared to admit - that it's sorry.
The Black Sticks has a golden glow at last year's Commonwealth Games, but a review found the team endured dark times on the road to glory on the Gold Coast.
Seventy percent of players surveyed reported serious concerns about a negative team environment and after Hockey New Zealand admitted it had failed its players, Scott fronted up to admit his organisation's part in New Zealand's latest sporting scandal.
"Certainly, there's a level of accountability," Scott told Newshub. "Our people are embedded in the sport.
"There will be some change, yes."
Contrary to the players' view, a review highlighted the almost unanimous view of hockey and high performance staff, who felt the environment was largely positive and successful.
On Monday, the message was clear from hockey officials, but sorry seems to be the hardest word for HPSNZ.
"Our commitment is to get them better," said Scott.
The review found Hockey New Zealand should have done more to act on concerns raised about the Black Sticks environment.
On Wednesday, Scott revealed HPSNZ was aware of one matter raised by an athlete in the wake of the Rio Olympics in September 2017.
Since then, a culture of winning over welfare has been uncovered through high-profile reviews of football, cycling and now hockey - all sports that receive funding and resource support from HPSNZ staff.
"We need to educate them better," Scott said. "We need better systems of elevating issues."
Change is coming , but apologies may take a little longer.
Newshub.
