Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Paralympian #189 Carl Murphy to the PNZ Board, marking a significant milestone as the first Athlete Representative to join the organisation’s governance body aligned to the updated PNZ Constitution.
Carl, who leads an architectural design firm, is a long-time advocate for Para athletes and brings a wealth of experience to the role. A Para snowboarder at the Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, he also claimed more than 25 World Cup medals during a successful Para sport career.
A member of the PNZ Athletes’ Council since 2022, Carl previously served as Vice-Chair and was elected as Chair in February this year. He is also a representative on the PNZ Awards and Honours Committee and a contributor to the Snow Sports NZ Safeguarding Working Group.
It was identified in 2023 that the PNZ Board needed a more structured engagement with Paralympians, and it was later agreed by the Board to have a permanent Athlete Representative as part of the composition of the PNZ Board.
Carl’s appointment is aligned with PNZ’s strategic goal of strengthening athlete voice across all levels and supporting a more inclusive and representative leadership structure at the highest levels of decision making.
PNZ Board Chair Jana Rangooni said: “The appointment of Carl to the Paralympics New Zealand Board is a landmark moment. His lived experience as a Paralympian, combined with his passion for Para athlete advocacy and governance will prove invaluable for helping shape the future of the Paralympic Movement and Para sport in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Board”.
Carl said of his appointment: “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to take on this role as Athlete Representative on the PNZ Board. Being a fully appointed Board member is a significant opportunity to ensure the voice of Para athletes is heard at the highest level. It’s a privilege to represent our Paralympians and Para athletes and contribute to the wider Paralympic Movement.”
