Sport Integrity Commission probes Boxing NZ coach Billy Meehan over bullying claims

Billy Meehan is a councillor in Palmerston North and the Boxing New Zealand coach.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mark Mitchell, will seek assurances that proper processes are being followed as an investigation into Boxing New Zealand continues.

A 1News report says the Sport Integrity Commission has been investigating Boxing NZ and its head coach, Billy Meehan, since May last year over claims of bullying, favouritism and inappropriate behaviour.

The report adds that Meehan, who is a councillor for Palmerston North’s Te Hirawanui general ward, has remained in his role since the investigation was launched which has seen some boxers withdraw from consideration for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Mitchell stressed it would be inappropriate for him to intervene directly in any investigation, but said he would be seeking reassurance that the commission is meeting those expectations.

“The Sport Integrity Commission is an independent Crown entity with its own Board, and it is important that independence is maintained,” a statement from Mitchell said.

“My expectation is that the Commission have a clear process for the raising of complaints to support the integrity of sport and which ensures information is verified and acted on in a timely way to protect and promote the safety and well-being of participants.”

The Herald has spoken to several boxing coaches who have described the current climate as messy, and who were reluctant to speak publicly for fear their actions could impact their fighters’ prospects.

One trainer urged the executives of Boxing NZ to “declare their conflicts of interest in order to deal with this appropriately”.

Several people have taken to social media to defend Meehan, while former Māori Party MP Heather Te Au-Skipworth has questioned why Meehan hasn’t been stood down, citing the investigation into Dame Noeline Taurua and Netball New Zealand.

Meehan has not responded to requests from the Herald for comment. His wife, Cathy Meehan, is currently the president of Boxing New Zealand.

The Sport Integrity Commission has also not responded to queries from the Herald.

New Zealand has been allocated six spots in boxing for the Commonwealth Games, which run from July 23 to August 2.