Paula Tesoriero achieved at the highest level in Para cycling winning a gold and two bronze medals at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, as well as winning two World Championships titles in 2009. She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for services to cycling.
Paula has an in-depth understanding of the Paralympic Games environment both as a Paralympian and as Chef de Mission leading the New Zealand Paralympic Team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Paula was also a reporter for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games broadcast, bringing the incredible stories of success into the homes of Kiwis.
Paula was the New Zealand Disability Rights Commissioner from 2017-2022. She has a rich understanding of issues affecting disabled New Zealanders, including stigma and attitudes. She is passionate about the Paralympic Movement and its ability to change perceptions and transform society.
Whaikaha – the Ministry for Disabled People – appointed Paula as its inaugural Chief Executive in 2022.
Paula was inducted as a Sport Legend of Wellington in 2022.
Paula received her ‘numbered’ Paralympic pin as part of The Celebration Project in Wellington in November 2020.
