Boxing NZ coach Billy Meehan left off Commonwealth Games team amid probe
The head coach of Boxing NZ will not be travelling with the New Zealand team to the Commonwealth Games amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of bullying.
Support staff selections were confirmed by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) today, with Billy Meehan not among those going to Glasgow next month.
Meehan, who is also a councillor for Palmerston North’s Te Hirawanui general ward, has been approached for comment by the Herald.
A complaint about Meehan’s conduct was first made more than two years ago, but according to 1News, he has continued to be involved with the team while the Sport Integrity Commission investigates allegations of bullying, favouritism and inappropriate behaviour within Boxing NZ.
An NZOC spokesperson told the Herald it would not have been appropriate to appoint Meehan to the team while the investigation was ongoing.
“The wellbeing of athletes is our top priority and creating a safe environment is a core responsibility of the New Zealand Olympic Committee,” the spokesperson said.
The NZOC, which is responsible for selecting New Zealand teams and support staff for the Games, is separate from Boxing NZ.
Boxing support staff appointments were finalised today after the naming of the New Zealand team on June 12.
“It is important to note that Mr Meehan is not being precluded from future opportunities,” the spokesperson said.
“Any consideration of future appointments to NZ teams can be made once the investigation has concluded and its findings are known.”
A spokesperson for Boxing NZ said Meehan remained in his role as head coach while the inquiry continued.
“Boxing NZ has worked through the usual process with NZOC for support staff selection for its Commonwealth Games team,” they said.
“The process is now for NZOC to confirm its appointments when they are made.”
The organisation is itself under scrutiny after complaints about its culture and governance.
Commonwealth Games medallist Tasmyn Benny told RNZ misogyny and bullying were rife within Boxing NZ, particularly under Meehan’s leadership.
Benny has publicly criticised the sports association, describing it as a “boys’ club” where complaints were difficult to raise.
“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.
Meehan’s wife, Cathy Meehan, was the president of Boxing NZ when the probe began but stepped down earlier this year.
The investigation is six months past its expected completion date.
Earlier this year, the Sport Integrity Commission told the Herald it would not comment on the specifics of the Boxing NZ inquiry but said it was progressing as quickly as it could.
“While we do not believe it is appropriate for us to publicly discuss the investigation involving Boxing NZ, we are comfortable that our investigation team have acted appropriately and as promptly as can be reasonably expected, in all the circumstances that exist in this matter,” the statement read.