A row has broken out over the Olympic gold medalist of New Zealand, Danyon Loader taking part in a sporting event in Fiji.

Loader will be taking part in the Fiji Swim held at Beachcomber and Treasure Island today.

TVNZ has reported New Zealand's Sports Minister Trevor Mallard as saying that Loader should not have gone to Fiji and it is regrettable however he said his government is not in the business of withholding anyone's passport.

Loader who is also New Zealand's Sporting Ambassador is likely to keep his ambassadorial roles but Mallard said if Loader continues to embarrass New Zealand, then they will take some action.

However Loader's New Zealand Agent Glenda Hughes said it is just a storm in a teacup. She said Loader has been involved in a charity event in Fiji for the past three years and is there as an individual in an effort to prevent the drowning of children here.