PNZ Board election August 2026
The Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Board Appointment Panel (BAP) convened to assess applicants for three (3) PNZ Board member positions.
Three (3) vacancies arise from the resignation of Mike Bishop (previously elected until January 2028), and the expiry of terms by current PNZ Board members, Maria Clarke and Pam Elgar (who both complete their first term in January 2027).
The BAP was interested in hearing from applicants with governance experience, and a strong affinity to disability sport and equity for all.
Additionally, of particular interest were applicants with extensive knowledge, skills and experience in the areas of: legal and risk, International Paralympic Movement understanding and connections, Para sport system knowledge, commercial/revenue generation, HR/culture experience, governance experience with potential Chair ability, and an understanding of supporting an organisation as it continues its Te Ao Māori journey. Experience in these areas had been identified by the PNZ Board as preferable.
Recommendation
Taking into account the factors required under the PNZ Constitution, the BAP identified three (3) applicants which it considers best meet the skills and experience identified as recommended for election to the three (3) available positions. These are:
- Christine Arthur 1 | September 2026 – January 2028
- Maria Clarke | February 2027 – January 2031
- Pam Elgar | February 2027 – January 2031
1 Recommended to fill the remaining term of vacancy created by resignation of Mike Bishop, noting the other two recommended candidates, as incumbents, will complete their current elected terms.
Christine Arthur
Read about ChristineI believe in the power of sport to build community, empower individuals, and create societal change.
Having played hockey for NZ for 11 years with 2 Olympic campaigns, I understand the importance of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement and the opportunity this presents for an organisation. As current board chair of NZ Table Tennis, I have been instrumental, with our team, in creating pathways for our players to reach the performance standards required for world competitions. My current role at HPSNZ is leading the Performance Life Coaching team and supporting athletes in their Olympic and Paralympic campaigns.
The opportunity to serve on the Paralympics New Zealand Board would be an honour. I bring expertise in many areas of sport and education, a willingness to advocate, and challenge as well as being adaptable to share learnings from my previous 10 years as a Board Director.
Maria Clarke
Read about MariaI have had the privilege of serving on the Paralympics New Zealand Board since 2023 and am seeking re-election for a second term. Appointed Deputy Chair in 2025, I also chair the Governance Committee and serve on the Audit, Risk & Finance Committee. During my time on the Board, I have played a leading role in various initiatives including PNZ’s new Constitution, the establishment of an athlete representative position on the Board, the renewal of PNZ’s Governance Mark accreditation, and the development of an international representation strategy. Together with more than 30 years’ experience in sports law, I bring significant governance experience, strong sector relationships, and a deep commitment to the Paralympic Movement.
Pam Elgar
Read about PamI have been delighted to have served on the Paralympics New Zealand Board for the past three years.
I have significant experience in governance through previous roles with Hockey NZ (Chair), International Hockey Federation, President of Oceania Hockey, Auckland Restorative Justice Trust (Chair), Presbyterian Support Northern (co-Chair) and Methodist Mission Northern, Lifewise and Airedale property trusts (Chair). I also sit on Gymnastics Integrity unit and have served as Board appointment panel member for Tennis NZ and Athletics NZ.
I currently Chair the People and Performance Committee and sit on the Governance Committee. This has provided me with a deep appreciation of the organisation’s strategic priorities, the importance of Para athlete-centred decision-making, and the role governance plays in supporting both performance outcomes and organisational integrity.
I have had 20 years executive leadership experience and I aim to bring both a governance and executive viewpoint to the Board.
I am of Ngāruahine and Te Ātiawa descent, and committed to bicultural practice adding to the learning journey Paralympics New Zealand is going on.
I am excited by the opportunity to continue contributing to Paralympics New Zealand at a governance level, supporting the ongoing success of Para athletes and the organisation’s broader impact across communities.
Voting
To be successfully elected to the PNZ Board, each candidate needs to receive majority support from PNZ members.
Please complete the voting form below, by voting for up to three (3) applicants listed by 1700 hrs on Monday 31 August 2026. Please do not hesitate to contact BAP and PNZ Board Chair, Jana Rangooni at [email protected], if you require any further information.
