The fight against doping in sport is set to be debated on the world stage, and New Zealand has a seat at the table.

Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman is heading to Montreal this week, to represent Oceania on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Executive Committee.

Dr Coleman says it's important to stay on top of the issue, as our own athletes such as Valerie Adams have felt the sting of being beaten by a cheat.

"Drug cheats have cost some of our top athletes that moment of glory on the podium, and you can actually never get that back even if you had the medal subsequently."