Outgoing International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Vice President, Paralympian #96 Duane Kale ONZM, was awarded the prestigious Paralympic Order at the IPC Conference and General Assembly in Seoul, Korea last night (24 September).
The accolade is awarded to individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding and long-lasting contribution to the Paralympic Movement and is rich reward for the New Zealander’s tireless work which spans more than 30 years in this realm.
Helping shape the Paralympic Movement at a governance level both internationally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, his impact will be felt for generations to come. Boasting extensive commercial and sporting experience, complemented by Duane’s lived experiences as a person with a disability, his strong leadership attributes are demonstrated across sport and business in organisational culture, change management, decision-making, regulatory and compliance management and collaboration with stakeholders.
“What an amazing honour it is to be awarded the Paralympic Order,” said Kale. “Thirty-five years ago, following the removal of a tumour from the spine, I was informed that I would not likely walk again and that I would need to adjust to living with a disability. The medical fraternity told me that my life will be different. Oh, just how right they were about that. It’s been different alright, it’s been incredible.”
Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Duane was a national level non-disabled swimmer and triathlete before surgery for a benign spinal tumour. Returning as a Para swimmer he won six medals – including four gold medals – at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games and is still New Zealand’s most successful male Paralympic swimmer.
Later moving into sports administration, Duane has become a highly respected sports leader. In 2013 he was elected to the IPC Governing Board, and later in 2017, elected as Vice President of the IPC, before being re-elected to this role again in 2021. Working closely with IPC President Andrew Parsons, Duane’s leadership and governance skills has been utilised for the betterment of the Paralympic Movement.
Duane has also fulfilled a raft of other international and national administrative and leadership roles. In 2018 he was appointed a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the IPC’s official representative. He is currently continuing this role on the Co-ordination Commission for the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A member of the Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Board from 2005 until his departure earlier this month, he also served as the NZ Paralympic Team Manager for Para Swimming at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and Chef de Mission for the NZ Paralympic Team (NZPT) at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games. Duane was also Interim CEO of PNZ in 2023.
He is currently the Deputy Chair of both Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand and a Trustee and Executive Board member of the Halberg Foundation. Duane was also appointed onto the Whaikaha (Ministry of Disabled People) Risk and Assurance Committee in 2024. Recently, Duane was appointed at the Secretary General of the Oceania Paralympic Committee.
“I couldn’t have ever imagined being a Paralympic swimmer on top of the world stage, to leading teams to the Paralympic Games, and then representing the global Paralympic Movement,” said Kale. “It’s certainly been an honour, and it’s a privilege to accept this prestigious award, and to receive it from IPC President Andrew Parsons, a great friend, it means a great deal.”
PNZ Chair and President Jana Rangooni was present with Duane in Seoul when he was bestowed this honour. “On behalf of everyone at PNZ and the NZ Paralympic Team, we congratulate Duane on this worthy recognition of the significant contribution Duane has made, and continues to make, to advancing the Paralympic Movement globally.
“PNZ has been so fortunate to benefit from the immense experience, credibility, and global perspective that Duane brings to any discussion, and we look forward to his continued leadership across the wider sport and Para sport sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
