Board Vacancy – Athlete Representative

The closing date for applications is Monday 29 June 2026 at 1700 hrs / 5pm.

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) and the sole governing body of Para sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, recognised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). PNZ has the exclusive right to represent, develop, promote and protect the Paralympic Movement in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our primary role is to lead a successful NZ Paralympic Team to the Paralympic Games. We are also part of the IPCs social change movement, which promotes the power of sport to positively influence perceptions and outcomes for disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society.

The PNZ Vision is An inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand through Para sport. To read more information on PNZ’s strategic direction, please click here.

Current organisational priorities and areas of focus for PNZ include:

• Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and the French Alps 2030 Paralympic Winter Games;
• Ensuring a sustainable financial and revenue model;
• Considering ways to support the development of the Para athlete pathway (from participation to high performance), across more Para sports in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Athlete Representative is a full voting member of the PNZ Board and plays a role to ensure greater input of the Para athletes’ voice and perspectives into the governance of PNZ. The role of the Athlete Representative on the PNZ Board, as with other PNZ Board members, is to act in the best interests of the organisation, however, the PNZ Board will also benefit from the Athlete Representative being able to contribute perspectives which can support an existing PNZ Board approach to Para athlete focused decision making.

With the first term of the inaugural Athlete Representative due to conclude, PNZ is seeking to fill one appointed Athlete Representative Board position. We note that the incumbent Athlete Representative has indicated that they will be reapplying for a new term.

To be eligible to apply for the Athlete Representative position, candidates must be an active or recently retired eligible Paralympian, meaning they must:

• Have represented the New Zealand Paralympic Team in at least one of the previous three (3) Paralympic Games (winter or summer) – from and including Rio 2016 and Milano Cortina 2026;
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; and
• Have not received any sanctions in relation to the World Anti-Doping Code, or any other applicable rules of the IPC or any PNZ Bylaws.

Candidates may be, but do not have to be, a member of the PNZ Athletes’ Council. Previous governance experience, and a sound knowledge and understanding of Para sport would be an advantage but is not essential.

The successful candidate will be appointed by the PNZ Athletes’ Council on the recommendation of the PNZ Board Appointment Panel, plus two members of the PNZ Athletes’ Council.

This is an exciting opportunity to represent Paralympians and Para athletes’ and contribute to the ongoing work of PNZ – working with a highly skilled and qualified PNZ Board and Management Team, leading and building on the international success of our previous Paralympians. If you are a Paralympian who is interested in continuing to drive social change through the lens of Para sport, keen on supporting Para athletes through their pathway to the Paralympic Games, and to building a strong and sustainable organisation, then this is the role for you.