PNZ Athletes’ Council

Election 2024 - Meet your candidates!

• Adam Hall - Paralympian #158

  Para alpine skiing

  If I was elected to become part of the PNZ Athlete Council I would be honoured to continue building on the great mahi that has been done to date since the Council’s inception in 2021. I would continue to contribute by using the PNZ Athletes’ Council platform, to advocate for the needs, and rights of all Para athletes, across all of our communities.

  As a PNZ Athletes’ Council member, the Council provides a platform to influence policies, and initiatives that affect athletes across all levels of participation, and competition.

  I believe joining the Council should provide an opportunity to strengthen community among Para athletes, and sports, fostering a supportive environment where athletes can share their challenges, and successes, and provide greater awareness with Winter representation.

  As an older senior athlete, this role is a great opportunity to leave a lasting impact on all Para sports, at all levels, in all communities, and the lives of other athletes, ensuring that future generations have better opportunities and recognition. My motivations are a reflection and a commitment to enhancing the experience, and opportunities for current, and future athletes within the Paralympic Movement.

  Adam is an FIS Athlete Commission Member, representing all FIS Winter Para athletes across all 3 winter disciplines and was recipient of the prestigious Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award at PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

  View Paralympian Adam HallProfile

  

• Anna Grimaldi - Paralympian #195

  Para athletics

  My name is Anna Grimaldi and I have been competing in Para sport for the last 10 years, but before that I didn’t even really know it existed. It has changed my life for the better. I’ve learnt so much about myself. It’s helped show me that having one hand is cool (and always has been), it’s brought me a sense of community and an outlet for my competitiveness. I’ve found a love of sport that it didn’t know as someone growing up with a disability, I would get the opportunity to do.

  Paris 2024 was my third Paralympic Games cycle and so far each has been very different, many highs and many lows, lots of different experiences personally and within the system.

  I think I am quite good at problem solving, thinking of new ways of doing things, not holding back in my opinions and putting myself out there. I really want our sport and team to be well known and have the opportunity to grow and be seen as exciting. I was a founding member of the inaugural PNZ Athletes’ Council I would love to continue my role in that council for the next 4 years.

  I’m keen to use my knowledge and experience to give ideas, listen to the athletes, help athletes navigate tense or unsure scenarios, share athletes stories, boost the Paralympic Movement here in NZ and really highlight us as high performance athletes. I want to continue to run and jump and have these experiences alongside you guys (the athletes) and help it to be an environment and a brand (PNZ) that we all are proud to be part of. By being part of this Council I hope I can help make that happen.

  Anna is on the Athletics NZ Athletes’ Commission, has been Vice President of the Otago Southland Amputees Society.

  View Paralympian Anna GrimaldiProfile

  

• Danielle Aitchison - Paralympian #211

  Para athletics

  I wish to join the PNZ Athlete’s Council to give a different voice to Para sport and the Paralympic Movement. With my past experience, I feel that I can bring a different perspective and encourage others to view things differently. I am patient when listening and soaking up information before adding my perspective. I come up with questions to encourage others to think deeper about their ideas.

  I grew up knowing that I had a disability but did not realise that so many other people also had disabilities and that there is a whole community and pathway with it. Being a part of the Para sport community for just over 5 years now, I am slowly finding my ground and voice as a Para athlete and wanting to stand up for others and be the person, I wished my younger self had growing up. Knowing that despite disabilities, we can achieve great things or do anything we want. Our disability does not define everything we are. I feel this perspective can help when considering the current system in place within Para sport and question some of the rules and structures that might be hindering Para athletes from performing and getting into Para sport. Being a young athlete, I feel that I still have things to learn but am willing to share my knowledge and am willing to learn and ask questions along the way to understand Para athletes and what they need from Para sport organisations to help support them.

  Another reason, I wanted to be a part of the Council is to help Para athletes get into Para sport and to provide the support that they need. There can be a lack of information and support for Para athletes getting into Para sports which I feel impacts the number of Para athletes in sport. I want to be able to provide the voice for these athletes to ensure that more athletes are getting involved in Para sport and have the support to help them achieve their sporting goals. Beyond this, I want to provide a voice for current athletes, being a part of Para sport now, I understand the current structure and systems in place for athletes. I know where things can be improved. I have relationships with athletes that share their struggles and concerns within Para sport which I think I can help to improve.

  Danielle has gained experience working in Para sport and disability sport as a Coaching and Youth Intern at Parafed Waikato and most recently Education Intern at Paralympics New Zealand.

  View Paralympian Danielle AitchisonProfile

  

• Devon Briggs - Paralympian #229

  Para cycling

  My name is Devon Briggs, Paralympian #229, and I’m honored to share my journey with you as I run for the PNZ Athletes’ Council. Born with Bilateral Talipes, I faced challenges growing up, but sport gave me the strength and freedom to define my own path. From trying various sports in my youth to discovering my love for cycling at just 10 years old, Para sport has played a transformative role in my life.

  I am writing to ask for your support in my candidacy for the PNZ Athletes’ Council. As a proud Paralympian and a lifelong lover of Para sport, I feel incredibly passionate about what PNZ represents: a movement that stands for equality, inclusivity, and pushing the limits of what we can achieve, no matter the obstacles in front of us.

  Being born with a disability has shaped who I am, but it has never defined or limited me. From a young age, I learned that while the world may present challenges, we as athletes have the power to turn those challenges into opportunities. I want to serve on the Athletes’ Council to help continue building a space where athletes like us, who defy expectations daily, can thrive, grow, and inspire the next generation.

  For me, sport has always been more than competition – it’s been a lifeline, a platform for empowerment, and a community where I found strength, resilience, and purpose. This is something I am deeply committed to sharing with others, especially young people with disabilities who may feel unsure about their potential or future. I believe it’s important that we not only celebrate our own victories but that we also pass the torch to those coming up behind us, showing them that having a disability is not a limitation but a unique strength.

  As a member of the Athletes’ Council, I want to help amplify the voices of athletes like you – voices that are integral to the continued success of PNZ and Para sport in New Zealand. I am determined to support and advocate for initiatives that grow our movement and ensure that every athlete, regardless of background or ability, has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

  I stand for inclusion, for resilience, and for never letting go of our dreams. If elected, my goal will be to continue pushing for progress and helping shape a future where no athlete is left behind, where every one of us can rise to our fullest potential, and where the younger generation is inspired to embrace their abilities and pursue their passions in sport.

  Our community is built on shared strength, and I hope to earn your trust to represent us all. Together, we can continue driving forward the vision of Para sport in New Zealand, ensuring that we are constantly evolving, breaking barriers, and making a lasting impact – both on and off the field.

  Thank you for considering me to be part of the PNZ Athletes’ Council. I would be honoured to represent you and work toward creating a brighter, more inclusive future for athletes of all abilities. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and show the world that we are not defined by our disabilities, but by our drive, determination, and heart.

  One of Devon’s proudest achievements includes winning a gold medal and rainbow jersey in the Men’s C3 1km Time Trial at the Rio 2024 World Championships.

  View Paralympian Devon BriggsProfile

  

• Louise Duncan - Paralympian #233

  Para equestrian

  Hi, I am Louise Duncan. I am passionate about the aims and objectives of the PNZ Athletes’ Council and the Paralympic Movement. I’m confident I can bring something to the table from my own experiences as a Para athlete and learn from the experience of existing Council members. Para sport changed my world and has given me the freedom to embrace and accept myself as I am, for me to be able to give back to the sport that has helped me to grow so much would be an honour and a privilege.

  I want to be the voice of other Para athletes, bringing both inclusion, transparency and continue to make for an inclusive world through Para sport. I have a strong commitment to working for our athletes and supporting the work of PNZ to help keep Para sport moving forward for the athletes of today and tomorrow. Continuing to encourage the core values of Paralympic Movement – Courage, Determination, Inspiration and Equality.

  Louise has been involved in Equestrian sport since she was born having been captain of the Manawatu Under 25 team to the NZ Pony Club Dressage Championships for three consecutive years. Louise’s family have donated a lot of time to both Pony Club and Equestrian Sport New Zealand in a variety of roles. She has been Vice President for the Horowhenua Dressage Group for two consecutive years and has been a committee member for some time

  Louise began hairdressing as a Gateway student and had just become an apprentice when she got meningococcal meningitis. She managed to complete her apprenticeship and was selected as the Jasmine Beth Memorial Scholarship recipient. She then went on to open her own successful business, Louise Duncan Hair Design, which has been operating for 11 years and employs three staff.

  View Paralympian Louise DuncanProfile

  

• Nikia Fa'atau - Para athlete

  Wheelchair basketball

  I want to be elected to the PNZ Athletes’ Council as I am wanting to encourage the next Junior Para athlete in my craft to be the next best thing not just in the nation but in the world! You never want them to be like you but want them to be better.

  I believe sport gives everyone an outlet and a purpose. Knowing someone who’s been there done that means a lot to others. Through the visibility of people with disabilities participating in Para sport it shows people that anything’s possible.

  I would encourage you to vote for me as I want to ensure that all people with a disability, especially kids have something to strive for. It is so important to ensure Para sport and Para athletes are seen and have profile, so kids know their journey doesn’t end with your disability.

  

• Kurt Peterson - Para athlete

  Para triathlon

  Hi! I’m Kurt Peterson, a New Zealand Para athlete who has lived with minor cerebral palsy all my life. Sports have been a defining part of my journey, pushing me to challenge boundaries and helping me redefine what’s possible. Now, I’m seeking your support for a new chapter: I’m running for a position on the Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Athletes’ Council.

  As a disabled athlete, I know firsthand the impact that sport can have—not only on the body but on the mind and spirit. Representing New Zealand in various events has taught me resilience, fostered self-belief, and shown me the power of community. I want to bring that same energy, focus, and advocacy to the PNZ Athletes’ Council.

  One of my main goals in joining the Council is to drive greater inclusivity in sport. When I started, I didn’t see many role models who faced challenges like me. I want to change that for the next generation by building a culture where athletes with disabilities feel seen, valued, and supported. That’s why I’m passionate about expanding grassroots programmes in New Zealand; I want to see more young Kiwis with disabilities not only participating in sports but thriving in them! I believe everyone should have the chance to feel the joy of crossing a finish line, the satisfaction of achieving a personal best, and the camaraderie of being part of a team. My goal is to foster a positive environment where we all feel empowered to push our limits and achieve our dreams.

  I’ve always been someone who listens closely and acts purposefully, and I’m ready to advocate for policies that will truly benefit our community. By focusing on open communication and support, I hope to build a stronger, more connected network of athletes.

  Beyond the physical aspects of sport, I also want to challenge stereotypes around disability. I’m driven to prove that athletes with disabilities are capable of greatness—and I believe the Athletes’ Council can help amplify that message. I want to use this platform to advocate for greater representation, showcase the achievements of our community, and help break down barriers that still exist.

  What I bring to the Council is a blend of passion, humour, and determination. I’m not afraid to ask tough questions or tackle big challenges, and I believe in the power of collaboration to make meaningful change. I’m committed to making PNZ a place where athletes feel not only supported but celebrated. I want to honour the legacy of those who have come before us and pave the way for future athletes to reach even greater heights.

  I’ve set my sights on the Athletes’ Council because I believe I can make a real difference. If you choose to support me, I promise to work tirelessly on your behalf, to champion inclusivity, and to help create a vibrant, empowering space where every athlete can thrive.

  So, if you believe in breaking barriers, fostering community, and celebrating every athlete’s journey, I’d be grateful for your vote. Let’s work together to make PNZ a place where every athlete’s voice is heard, and every dream is within reach.

  Kurt is on the Board of Trustees for Team Motive and has served as a co-chair for the Cerebral Palsy Youth Alliance.

  

• Troy Robertson - Para athlete

  Boccia

  I believe I would be an asset to the PNZ Athletes’ Council as I can be a voice for Para athletes and individuals with a significant physical impairment. I would also provide representation and perspective from another Para sport, not previously represented on the Athletes’ Council.

  In my life and sporting journey to date, I have developed a number of useful skills. Throughout my 5-years of competing internationally I have built resilience and learned to embrace and overcome challenges and setbacks. I live with the motivation and determination to achieve success in life including High School, University and now working full-time and living independently.

  Before I found boccia, my sport. I never thought it would be possible for me to compete in any sport because of how severely disabled I am. However, boccia changed all of that. Boccia has given me the chance to travel the world, meet some incredible people, represent my country, and given me a purpose not just to improve/grow as an athlete but a person as well.

  As a Council member I would be an active participant in group discussions, contributing my own ideas and opinions, being challenged on these and hearing and challenging the ideas and opinions of other members.

  I wish to run for the PNZ Athletes’ Council as I believe I will bring with me unique insights and have the ability to inspire and empower others through my own experiences, knowledge and skills.

  Troy won a silver medal at 2023 Santiago World Boccia Challenger and received the 2024 Health Vision Supreme and Sportsman of the Year Awards at the BOP Festival of Sport.