Taekwondo New Zealand has informed its members that it is almost ready to hold an election ©TNZ

Taekwondo New Zealand (TNZ) has informed its members it is almost ready to hold an election having established an Interim Board last year following an investigation into an internal dispute within the governing body.

The Board had been urged by World Taekwondo, who conducted the probe into the row within the TNZ Executive Board, to hold elections as soon as possible back in April 2018.

In a letter to members, acting interim chairman Kenneth Schunken says it is nearing that stage. 

"Thank you for your patience regarding the normalisation of Taekwondo NZ going forward," it reads.

"I know it has been a long process but I am happy to report there has been some hard work done by the Interim Board and we are almost ready to hold an election.

"In preparation of these elections, the Interim Board has been working on a new Constitution that will be distributed to you shortly."

Schunken also states in the letter that he will visit New Zealand for the 2019 Budo South Open, scheduled to take place in Tauranga on April 13 and 14.

He has invited all representatives of taekwondo organisations in New Zealand that have intentions to join TNZ to meet with him in one-on-one meetings.

Andrea Kilday was New Zealand's sole taekwondo representative at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images
Andrea Kilday was New Zealand's sole taekwondo representative at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

"I am available in Tauranga from April 11 to 14 and in Christchurch from April 16 to 17," Schunken writes.

"If you would like to meet with me to discuss future steps, please send me a direct email at [email protected].

"A meeting will then be scheduled."

Schunken goes on to state that World Taekwondo has approved the criteria for TNZ membership.

"Each member has to register name, gender, date of birth and pay a NZD$10 (£5.20/$6.90/€6) annual membership fee in order to become a member of TNZ," he said.

"I hope this clarifies the requirements and look forward to your registrations and ongoing membership in TNZ for many years to come."

The split within the leadership of TNZ followed a dispute between former President Tae Kyung Kim and secretary general Matt Ransom.

It had initially led to suggestions the organisation may be suspended by World Taekwondo.

Despite the dispute, Ransom and Kim are both listed as Interim Board members along with Mike Hennessy and Peter Shaw.

Andrea Kilday was New Zealand's sole taekwondo representative at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, losing to Brazil's Iris Tang Sing in the preliminary round of the women's 49 kilograms event.