Treasurer Exposes Theft by Youth Marching Team Coach

A youth marching team treasurer has reported allegations of financial misconduct against the group’s coach, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about oversight in amateur sports organisations in the Nelson region.

According to the Nelson-based treasurer, who spoke to the New Zealand Herald on condition of anonymity, the coach of a local youth marching team allegedly misused funds raised for team trips and equipment over an 18-month period. The treasurer stated that discrepancies in the team’s accounts became apparent during a routine financial review in late 2025, when receipts for fundraising events did not match recorded expenditures.

The treasurer said that after raising concerns internally, they were met with resistance and eventually chose to report the matter to police. “I kept seeing money go out that couldn’t be justified — cash withdrawals labelled as ‘team expenses’ but with no receipts, no invoices, nothing to show where it went,” the treasurer told the Herald. “When I asked for records, I was told to stop questioning things.”

Police confirmed to the Herald that they received a formal complaint in March 2026 regarding suspected theft by a person in a position of trust within a youth organisation. A spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and that no charges have been laid at this stage. The coach, identified in court documents as Jodie Wastney, has not been publicly charged but has stepped down from her role with the team pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The marching team, which competes in regional and national events organised by Marching New Zealand, relies heavily on fundraising to cover travel, uniforms, and competition fees. Parents and supporters typically contribute through raffles, sausage sizzles, and sponsored walks, with the treasurer responsible for managing the team’s bank account and tracking income and expenditure.

Marching New Zealand said it was aware of the allegations and is cooperating with authorities. “We take any allegations of financial misconduct seriously, especially when they involve youth programmes,” a spokesperson said. “While we await the outcome of the police investigation, we have reminded all affiliated clubs of their financial governance responsibilities under our member protection policy.”

In New Zealand, marching teams are a longstanding tradition, particularly in provincial centres like Nelson, where they provide young people with opportunities in performance, discipline, and teamwork. The sport combines elements of drill, dance, and music, with teams judged on precision, uniformity, and musical interpretation at competitions held throughout the year.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in grassroots sports, where volunteer officials often manage finances without formal training or external audits. Sport New Zealand’s guidelines for community organisations recommend dual signatories on accounts, regular independent reviews, and clear expense policies — safeguards that may not always be in place in smaller, volunteer-run teams.

As of April 2026, the Nelson youth marching team continues to train under interim leadership, with parents expressing concern about the impact on the athletes. “The kids love marching — it’s given them confidence, friends, a sense of pride,” one parent said. “It’s heartbreaking that something like this could happen in a group meant to build them up.”

Police have not released further details about the investigation, and no court date has been set. The treasurer said they hope the process brings clarity and that lessons can be learned to protect other youth teams. “I didn’t do this to hurt anyone,” they said. “I did it because I owed it to those kids to make sure their hard work wasn’t being taken for granted.”