David Nyika says his time at Boxing New Zealand left a "bad taste in his mouth", as he adds his name to the growing number of people calling for change at the organisation after a 1News investigation.
"Boxing New Zealand has been in disarray for a long time. I don't believe this is just started," Nyika said.
The Olympic bronze medallist and two-time Commonwealth gold medallist is speaking out to advocate for his fellow boxers after a series of stories by 1News which uncovered serious allegations against the amateur boxing organisation and its head coach, Billy Meehan.
The allegations under investigation by the Sport Integrity Commission included claims of bullying, favouritism, drunken behaviour, and inappropriate comments.
Exclusive investigation: Olympian speaks out amid calls for Boxing NZ overhaul - Watch on TVNZ+
"I think someone needs to speak up for the athletes," Nyika said, adding that he "lost a lot of trust in the boxing system and the amateurs".
"I kind of shy away from it because I'm trying to focus on my way forward. I'm trying to get ahead, but you know, my friends are suffering today. So, yeah, I'll put my hand up to be an advocate for our athletes."
Boxing NZ has kept Meehan in charge despite the commission launching an investigation in May 2025.
The commission said it didn’t have the power to suspend anyone in the current circumstances.
Nyika said Meehan was just the "tip of the iceberg" and said there was a bad culture of drinking among coaching staff.
In one incident, Nyika claimed he was in a taxi with Meehan, who was inebriated, while on a camp in China in August 2016.
"I do remember Billy sitting in the driver's seat of a taxi and revving the engine and freaking all the boxers out who are in the back seat," Nyika said.
"You know, you can go out and relax a little bit, but to be putting your boxers' lives at risk... It's a dangerous enough sport as it is."
1News has obtained a Boxing NZ letter from May 2017 showing it was displeased with how the matter was dealt with by the New Zealand Boxing Coaches Association, which oversees coaches.
The association – a member of Boxing NZ – is headed by Meehan.
Sport NZ said it was made aware of the incident in China but was assured by Boxing NZ that the matter had been resolved.
Over the past four years, High Performance Sport, which is part of Sport NZ, has given the organisation nearly $500,000. In the last funding round, the figure dropped from $165,000 a year to $100,000.
In a statement, High Performance said funding was largely based on performance potential at pinnacle events.
"We would like to acknowledge the athletes who have spoken publicly about their experiences," High Performance director Steve Tew said.
"The alleged behaviour is unacceptable in any high-performance environment, and it is important that athletes are able to speak up without consequence."
Tew added that the allegations are now under investigation by the Sport Integrity Commission.
“Athlete wellbeing is a priority for High Performance Sport New Zealand, and we continue to work hard to ensure wellbeing and performance go hand in hand," he said.
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