Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is pleased to announce Paralympian #189 Carl Murphy has been elected as Chair of the PNZ Athletes’ Council and Paralympian #225 Anna Taylor has been elected as Vice Chair.
Carl, who appeared in Para snowboard at the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, replaces Paralympian #213 Sarah Ellington who served as the inaugural Chair of the PNZ Athletes’ Council.
The consultative committee was established by PNZ in 2021 to act as the athletes’ voice within PNZ, providing governance and management advice on matters impacting on Paralympians and Para athletes within New Zealand and internationally.
The six-strong Council also includes Paralympians #158 Adam Hall MNZM, #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM and #211 Danielle Aitchison. PNZ is also pleased to announce Para equestrian rider Paralympian #233 Louise Duncan has also been appointed to join the Council.
Carl said of his new role as PNZ Athletes’ Council Chair: “It is an incredible honour to have been elected as Chair of the PNZ Athletes’ Council. This role carries great responsibility, leadership, and, most importantly, a commitment to serving my fellow athletes and contributing to better outcomes for all Paralympians and Para athletes.
“With over ten years as a high-performance athlete and experience across coaching, administration, and governance—including serving as Vice Chair of the PNZ Athletes’ Council in 2023/24 – I feel well-prepared to take on this challenge. Since retiring from international competition in 2019, I have dedicated myself to ensuring that athletes’ voices are heard at all levels of decision-making.
“Chairing this Council is a responsibility I take very seriously. It means being a leader, an advocate, and a champion for every Para athlete we represent. I am determined to build on the fantastic work the Council has achieved over the past two and a half years, fostering an environment where all Para athletes feel heard, supported, and empowered to help shape the future of Para sport in New Zealand.”
The experienced team of Council members have won a combined 14 Paralympic medals across a range of Paralympic Summer and Paralympic Winter Games.
Louise Duncan said of her appointment to the Council: “I am eager to amplify the voices of our Para athletes and excited to join an incredible team on the PNZ Athletes’ Council. Para sport has revolutionised my life, empowering me to embrace my true self. Giving back to the sport is an honour and a privilege and I’m excited to contribute to its continued growth, fostering a brighter future for the Para athletes of both today and tomorrow.”
PNZ CEO Greg Warnecke said: “We are delighted to welcome Carl as PNZ Athletes’ Council Chair and Anna as Vice Chair. The pair offer great experience and leadership skills and I’m confident both will continue the work of former Chair Sarah Ellington. We also welcome Louise to the Council, and we look forward to hearing her insights, which will help guide our future work.”
Since its inception the PNZ Athletes’ Council has claimed many successes including ensuring parity in Prime Minister’s Scholarship grants for Para athletes. The Council were also involved in the creation of the NZ Paralympic Team emblem to ensure New Zealand Paralympians and wider Team members have their own identity on the world stage.
If you would like to get in touch with the PNZ Athletes’ Council, or get more information, please email [email protected].
For further information, go to paralympics.org.nz/about/pnz-athletes-council/
