Former Gisborne Deputy Mayor Josh Wharehinga has been appointed as the new president of Boxing New Zealand as the sport grapples with complaints about its head coach.
The Sport Integrity Commission has been investigating Boxing NZ and its head coach Billy Meehan.
CathyMeehan, who is the wife of Billy Meehan, recently stepped down from her role as president of the organisation.
Earlier this month, a top Kiwi boxer told RNZ that an alleged culture of sexism, favouritism and bullying drove her to walk away from a promising amateur career.
Commonwealth Games medallist Tasmyn Benny said Meehan killed her passion for the sport.
Described as a “boys club” rife with verbal abuse, sexually inappropriate behaviour and misogyny, Benny said she was made to feel powerless and without a voice in the environment.
“You can’t really go to Boxing NZ because it’s all made of his family and friends. They’re all in the same circle,” she told RNZ.
After winning bronze at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, Benny said she noticed a shift at the organisation.
“All the management and coaching changed for NZ boxing and that’s when everything went downhill. Billy was in charge the whole time.”
Billy Meehan. Photo / RNZ
Meehan has not responded to the allegations. The Integrity Commission has defended the delay in a resolution.
Wharehinga served four terms on Gisborne’s council – two as deputy mayor – before stepping away from local government earlier this year to concentrate on his business interests and reinvigorating boxing in Tai Rāwhiti.
The respected referee and judge thanked his colleagues on the Boxing NZ executive for “entrusting me with this important responsibility”.
“The first thing I’d like to do as incoming president is pay tribute to Cathy for her tireless, selfless service to boxing in Aotearoa. Cathy is a tremendous kaitiaki of the sport and will continue to be an important contributor to our future success.
“I’m incredibly passionate about boxing. It has been a huge part of my life so to be appointed to this role at an important time for the sport is a huge honour,” he said.
Local businessman and Otago Boxing Association member Bryan Usher has been appointed vice-president, replacing Mark Fuller.
