Zane Robertson's absence has not made Athletics New Zealand's heart grow fonder now he has been caught doping.

The 33-year-old has copped a four-year ban for using EPO - plus an additional four years for providing false documents in his defence.

He has been based in Kenya or Ethiopia since leaving New Zealand at the age of 17.

Chief executive Pete Pfitzinger has told the Mike Hosking Breakfast distance has proven a problem both for scrutiny and communication.

"We certainly have less day to day contact then we do with the athletes based in New Zealand, also then athletes who have New Zealand coaches. We have athletes in Kenya, yes probably that little bit more arms length."

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