The inaugural Para Sport Collective Hui, supported by ACC, which brought together more than 120 representatives from the Para sport sector, took place in Auckland earlier this week (Monday 25 August 2025).
The Hui presented a valuable opportunity for Para sport stakeholders – including representatives from 21 National Sports Organisations (NSOs), ten Regional Disability Sport Organisations, National Disability Sport Organisations, plus Sport NZ and HPSNZ – to connect, collaborate, strengthen relationships, and develop a commitment to the Para sport pathway.
Five Paralympians – Paralympian #96 Duane Kale ONZM, #142 Dan Buckingham, #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM, #166 Dame Sophie Pascoe DNZM and #225 Anna Taylor, as well as Raylene Bates MNZM, the NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, and World Para Athletics Head of Classification Rebecca Foulsham, acted as facilitators to contribute to key discussions during the day-long event. Paralympians #148 Michael Johnson MNZM and #211 Danielle Aitchison, were also in attendance.
Topics discussed included Para Sport roles and responsibilities, Classification and Sustainable Para sport programmes, with perspectives shared from Paralympians that had progressed through various stages of the Para sport pathway, also promoting wider dialogue amongst Hui participants.
It is hoped that the Hui will provide the foundation to develop a clearer understanding of how the sector can collectively deliver more consistent, equitable and effective outcomes for Para sport at both a national and regional level.
Paralympics New Zealand CEO Greg Warnecke said: “The Para Sport Collective Hui provided a valuable platform to engage key stakeholders that lead or contribute different activities across the entire Para sport pathway.”
“With facilitation from respected Paralympians, coaches and world leading experts, the various sessions prompted discussion about each stage of the pathway, recognising some of the current challenges, whilst also identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
ACC manager of brand and identity Helena Cooney added: “At ACC, we see the value that access to Para sport provides clients as part of their recovery. It was great to see so many stakeholders from across Para sport come together to share their insights and knowledge. Collaboration like this will support the continued growth and participation of Para sport.”
