A year out from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the NZ Paralympic Team are gaining a new identity – and calling on Kiwis to show their support for it on the journey to Paris 2024.
World Champion Para cyclist and PNZ Athletes’ Council member Anna Taylor speaks on behalf of Paralympians when she says:
“The NZ Paralympic Team which will represent Aotearoa in Paris next year follows a proud tradition of 227 determined, skilled, and inspiring individuals. It makes me so excited that for the first time ever, we Paralympians will compete wearing our own unique emblem.”
Competing under the fern
Just as NZ Rugby has the Black Ferns and the All Blacks, and the NZ Olympic Committee has the NZ Team, from today Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) and the NZ Paralympic Team will be distinct brands.
The Paralympic Team has competed under the PNZ fern since inception in 1968, 55 years ago. Saatchi & Saatchi developed the new brand with Para athletes deeply involved in shaping its direction. The emblem has been crafted to recognise the unique nature of the Paralympic Team, which includes both summer and winter Paralympians. The two arcs represent the supporters, fans and wider NZ public who come on the journey with the Paralympic Team every two years. Together these elements make One Team, One Spirit.
Together – Ka Tū Tahi
To celebrate the NZ Paralympic Team brand launch, and officially begin the runway to Paris 2024, PNZ and Saatchi & Saatchi shared “Together – Ka Tū Tahi”. It’s a striking short film sharing the evolution of the Paralympic Movement in New Zealand.
Paralympics New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Warnecke explains:
“Today is all about the Team. It’s a heritage full of aroha, determination and meaning for so many people. Watch the video, feel the mana of New Zealand’s Paralympians. From today onwards, the NZ Paralympic Team compete under their own identity. It gives me huge pride to hand over this legacy to New Zealand.”
Para athletes undertake a huge journey – physically and mentally – to compete at a Paralympic Games. PNZ expects around 60 of the country’s top Para athletes to be on the longlist. The eventual team could be 30-40 Para athletes, across 6-9 Para sports. This could be an increase of up to 3 Para sports compared to Tokyo 2020.
While PNZ receives Games campaign investment contributions from High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), the organisation needs to raise much of the funds through commercial partnerships and public fundraising.
Tonight on TVNZ1 at 7pm, Michael Holland will interview Para athletes Anna Taylor and Devon Briggs on Seven Sharp about their runway to Paris 2024. They will share how Kiwis can support them – tune in to hear more.
