Just five weeks out from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Boxing New Zealand's head coach Billy Meehan has been blocked from going as the boxing team’s head coach.
Until now, he’s been involved with the team, taking them away to overseas tournaments and running training camps.
In February, 1News revealed Boxing New Zealand and Meehan were under investigation by the Sport Integrity Commission, which was looking into allegations of bullying, favouritism and inappropriate behaviour.
More than two years on from the first complaint — and more than a year after the commission officially opened an investigation — there has been no outcome.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee said it made final team staff selections today and decided it was "not appropriate” to appoint Meehan to the Games team while the SIC investigation remains ongoing.
Questions asked after 1News investigation into Sport Integrity Commission’s silence over allegations in the sport. (Source: 1News)
It said “the wellbeing of athletes is our top priority and creating a safe environment is a core responsibility” and has been advised the investigation on Boxing NZ is "still ongoing of which we have been advised parts of the investigation relate to Mr Meehan”.
It added “it is important to note that Mr Meehan is not being precluded from future opportunities. Any consideration of future appointment to NZ teams can be made once the investigation has been conclude and its findings are known”.
Boxing New Zealand said it had worked through the usual process for support staff selection with the NZOC and it was up to NZOC to confirm its appointments.
There is still no timeframe for the Sport Integrity Commission investigation to be completed, with the commission saying the investigation “continues to progress” and “to protect the integrity of that investigation, we have no further comment”.
Complainants said they were growing increasingly frustrated and, in documents seen by 1News, have been told for multiple months that the investigation was in its “final stages”.
Initially, they were told the investigation was due for completion at the end of 2025.
Boxing has historically been one of New Zealand’s most successful sports at the Commonwealth games with 38 medals, including seven golds.
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