Former Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Chief Executive Fiona Allan ONZM has been awarded the PNZ Order of Merit in recognition of her longstanding contribution to disability sport, Para sport and the Paralympic Movement.
Established in 2001, the PNZ Order of Merit recognises individuals who have provided outstanding service to the organisation and to Paralympic sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fiona served as CEO of PNZ for more than 14 years before stepping down in 2023, leading eight Paralympic campaigns for the NZ Paralympic Team during her tenure. A member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Women in Sport Committee, she also served as Secretary General of the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) and was Chair of the 2011 IPC Para athletics World Championships in Christchurch.
Since leaving PNZ, Fiona has continued to play an active role in Para sport as a Board Member of the OPC, supporting the growth of sporting opportunities for disabled people across the Pacific.
In her current role as CEO of Youthtown, Fiona has continued to champion disability sport by strengthening her organisation’s understanding of inclusion and building stronger connections with disability sporting organisations. She remains a passionate advocate for disability sport and Para sport throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
On receiving the PNZ Order of Merit, Fiona said: “It is a privilege to stand among such esteemed Paralympics New Zealand Order of Merit members who have contributed hugely to the Paralympic Movement. Personally, it represents far more than an individual acknowledgement as it has always been a team effort and therefore this reflects the collective effort of my amazing colleagues and Board members who I had the pleasure of working with.
“My time with PNZ shaped my leadership and strengthened my commitment to creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It is with that I continue to champion inclusion nationally in my current role with Youthtown and regionally throughout the Pacific as an Oceania Paralympic Committee Board member.”
PNZ Board Chair Jana Rangooni said: “Fiona’s contribution to Paralympic sport in Aotearoa New Zealand and across the Pacific has been outstanding. During more than 14 years as CEO of Paralympics New Zealand, she led with vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to creating greater opportunities for disabled people through sport.
“Fiona’s leadership has helped strengthen the Paralympic Movement and inspired generations of Para athletes, leaving a lasting legacy both nationally and internationally. On behalf of the PNZ Board and wider Paralympic community, we are proud to recognise her accomplishments with the PNZ Order of Merit.”
