For many years, former Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Chief Executive Fiona Allan ONZM had the pleasure of presenting numerous PNZ Order of Merit awards. Last month, however, the tables were turned when Fiona herself was granted with the honour.
With two decades involvement in Para sport, the recognition is a fitting reward for a woman who has played a significant role in improving public perceptions of disability sport through her tireless efforts.
Fiona, who served as PNZ Chief Executive and Secretary General for 15 years from 2008 to 2023, and is now a Board member of the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) and an Executive Member on the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) , said: “It was a real honour to receive the PNZ Order of Merit and to be included among such an exceptional group of amazing people who have been recognised in this way. I feel incredibly proud that my contribution has been acknowledged, even though it represents only a small chapter in PNZ’s history.
“Whilst the award has been given to me as an individual, I did not work alone. It reflects the collective effort of many. I have been fortunate to work alongside some truly outstanding people over the years, and this recognition is shared with the teams who made it possible.”
UK-born Fiona’s first exposure to disability sport came through her athletics training group, which included a number of Paralympians. Competing as a heptathlete and representing Scotland whist studying a BSc Hons in Sport Science at Administration, she developed an interest in adaptive sport and inclusive environments. After receiving a World Citizen Scholarship to study in Melbourne, she chose adaptive physical education as one of her key subjects, further fuelling a lifelong passion to ensure disabled people were included sport and recreation
After moving to New Zealand in 2004, she spent two years working for the Halberg Trust (now Halberg Foundation) before taking on the role of Operations Manager at PNZ. She later transitioned to Chief Executive, a position she always viewed as carrying significant responsibility.
“It wasn’t just about leading an organisation; it was always about shaping what the future could look like for New Zealand sport.
“Over time, I took the view that it was important to secure a combination of some short-term wins while also striving for long-term impact. I think we ultimately struck a good balance.”
It was not always easy. Shifting perceptions of disability sport within the sporting landscape took time.
“Sometimes, when seeking to change the status quo, you feel that you are challenging perceptions, attitudes and systems, and at times it can feel like a lone voice,” she explains. “Yet my intention was always to seek to listen and understand and then utilise that knowledge to create an environment where Para athletes could best thrive.
“Ultimately, I saw the potential that Para sport had to be a platform for change.”
Fiona is quick to emphasise that achieving her ambitions required considerable support. She praises the Board members she worked alongside for their outstanding guidance and counsel and acknowledges the vital contribution of the staff members at PNZ. She also says the people who most shaped her journey were the countless Para athletes and Paralympians she worked with.
“To hear of their personal experiences and then have the ability to advocate on their behalf and support them to achieve their goals has been a great privilege. Connecting with their families has also been hugely important. I’ve always tried to prioritise not only the athletes but also the support teams around them.”
Fiona has so many cherished memories of the Para athletes and Paralympians she has worked with over the years. She witnessed the incredible Paralympic journey of Paralympian #166 Dame Sophie Pascoe PLY DNZM which spanned four Games from 2008-2020. She remains in awe of Paralympian #164 Cameron Leslie PLY MNZM and his international achievements both in Para swimming and Wheelchair rugby and she also reflects fondly on the long and successful career of Paralympian #158 Adam Hall PLY MNZM, describing the six-time Paralympic medallist as an ‘incredible athlete’.
When asked what she is most proud of during her time at PNZ, Fiona finds it difficult to choose but points to three achievements: raising the profile of NZ Paralympians and awareness of PNZ, leading eight Paralympic Games campaigns with success, and implementing the Paralympian Pin project acknowledging and celebrating all Paralympians in New Zealand.
“Through working with national and regional sports organisations we were able to help change the environment and support Para sport pathways so that the next generation of disabled athletes will grow up with more opportunities,” she explains.
“I loved the celebrations throughout New Zealand recognising Paralympians through the Paralympian Pin project. A majority of New Zealand Paralympians are very humble, and being able to bring their stories through their rich memories to life was incredibly rewarding. Hearing that some are now reconnecting more regularly and gathering to celebrate anniversaries and other milestones makes me very proud.”
Fiona has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the Paralympic Movement within Aotearoa New Zealand and globally. As Chair of the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, she led the significant international event that was attended by over 2500 Para athletes and 1500 support staff.
“It was a great opportunity for New Zealanders to witness world-class Para sport,” she adds. “It also provided athletes such as Will Stedman (Paralympian #208) and Holly Robinson (Paralympian #183 MNZM) with a platform that helped shape their future aspirations.”
She is equally proud of her international work with the IPC Women in Sport Committee. During her time as a committee member, she witnessed a significant increase in the representation of women across all levels of sports administration in Para sport.
Meanwhile, as a Board member of the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC), she continues to contribute to the growth of Para sport throughout the Pacific region.
“There remains a lot of opportunity relating to inclusion of people with disabilities within Pacific communities. Para sport is an incredibly powerful tool for helping change the narrative and showcase what is possible. Drawing on my experiences in New Zealand, I hope I can continue to add value and support National Paralympic Committees and national sport federations throughout the Pacific.”
More broadly, the Paralympic Movement is in a much stronger position globally today than when Fiona, now CEO of Youthtown, first became involved in Para sport more than two decades ago.
“The visibility of the Paralympic Movement, particularly over the past decade, is far greater and much more prominent within the community,” she says.
“Our New Zealand Para athletes continue to be outstanding humans and great role models. They’re authentic, engaging and connect with all New Zealanders. We are also fortunate to have some of the best coaches and support staff in the world and I am always really proud to see our nation continue to punch well above our weight on the global stage.”
***To read more about the PNZ Order of Merit, which was first established in 2001, go here.
