Jenny-May Clarkson set to bring Milano Cortina 2026 into Kiwi homes

Experienced broadcaster Jenny-May Clarkson will front TVNZ’s coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. We chat to the former Breakfast presenter and Silver Fern netballer about the role, and what to expect from Milano Cortina 2026 (7-16 March NZT). 

Jenny-May Clarkson describes leading coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games as “a privilege” — and she can’t wait to share the event’s energy, grit and unforgettable moments with millions of Kiwis.  

TVNZ is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of the 50^th anniversary edition of the Paralympic Winter Games, live and free across its terrestrial and streaming channels.  

“To be involved in the Paralympic Winter Games in some small way makes me feel very humbled,” said Jenny-May. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring the Paralympic Games to New Zealanders. It’s important we shine the spotlight on our Para athletes — and we’re fortunate to have two outstanding performers in Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM and #188 Corey Peters MNZM. But for me, the Paralympic Games are about more than sport. They’re a powerful opportunity to challenge perceptions and change the way people see Para athletes and disabled people in our society.” 

Kiwi audiences will be able to follow the action on TVNZ Duke starting with the Opening Ceremony on Saturday 7 March from 8am followed by each of the nine competition days in which Jenny-May will host a live one-hour studio show. Supported by three studio guests during the course of the nine days – Snow Sports NZ Competitive Pathway Manager and Beijing 2022 NZ Paralympic Team Assistant Coach Scott Palmer, four-time Paralympic Winter Games medallist Paralympian #115 Steven Bayley and the first Kiwi to win a Paralympic Winter Games gold medal Paralympian #45 Viv Gapes – Jenny-May is excited by the line-up and hopes to present the coverage in a way which make the viewers part of the conversation.  

Jenny-May is proud that the Paralympic Winter Games will enjoy strong visibility on TVNZ, providing a powerful platform to both inform and educate audiences on the thrilling nature of high-performance Para sport.  

So, what is she most looking forward to across nine days of intense competitive action?  

“I can’t ignore our own Adam Hall, who is competing at his sixth Paralympic Winter Games, which is phenomenal. That is not just about an incredible journey as an athlete, but speaks volumes to the support of his family who have made huge sacrifices.”  

Since the inaugural Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik in 1976, the event has produced countless standout moments. Across the past half-century, the NZ Paralympic Team has built an impressive legacy, claiming 35 medals — including 17 gold. It’s a proud tradition the Team hopes to build on at Milano Cortina 2026.  

So, does the TVNZ broadcaster have a favourite moment from Games gone by? 

“It is hard to go past our own Corey Peters at Beijing 2022,” she says. “To win a gold medal (in the Men’s Downhill Sitting) was a standout moment. I remember sitting on the edge of my seat watching – it was phenomenal.” 

Jenny-May is hugely excited about the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and calls on Kiwis to follow the action on TVNZ. 

“We have two legends competing in Adam and Corey, so this is another opportunity to see greatness. Yet this is far more than supporting and celebrating our own Paralympians but about following the stories of those incredible Para athletes many of whom have overcome the odds to represent their country on the world stage. I can’t wait.” 

***Jenny-May will lead coverage for approximately one-hour each night on TVNZ Duke from 9.30pm on days one to three and from 9pm from days four to nine.  

TVNZ Coverage