Former All Black Keven Mealamu is one of nine highly respected experts appointed to the inaugural board of the new Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission.
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says, “The Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission is a new independent Crown entity which was established under the Integrity Sport and Recreation Act last year, and which will officially commence on 1 July this year. ”
The Commission aims to enhance integrity in sport and recreation to increase the safety and wellbeing of participants and preserve the fairness of competition. It will also take on the responsibility for giving effect to the World Anti-Doping Code in New Zealand, with existing agency Drug Free Sport New Zealand being folded into the new Commission.
Keven is an active member in the community, having recently served in local government for Papakura from 2019 – 2022. Keven has been a board member for Drug Free Sport New Zealand and Auckland Rugby since 2017. He made 132 appearances for the All Blacks from 2002 to 2015. He is a popular role model for young NZ and Pasifika people and has served as an Ambassador for NZ Rugby’s ‘Headfirst’ wellbeing campaign and ‘Auckland Blues Rugby ‘Best Foot Forward’ initiative. In the 2016 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Rugby
The appointees to the new Commission’s board are:
- Don Mackinnon (Chair)
- Tim Castle
- Traci Houpapa
- Adine Wilson
- Lyndon Bray
- Bobbi-Jo Clark-Heu
- Rebecca McDonald
- Keven Mealamu
- Lesley Nicol
Minister Bishop is confident that the inaugural board’s collective experience, knowledge and mana will ensure the Commission provides the best supports and protections for Kiwis who take part in recreation and sport at any level in New Zealand, from preschool swimming lessons to wearing the fern on the international stage.
