The summer Paralympic Games are held on a four yearly cycle immediately following their respective Olympic Games. They are held in the same host city and venues as the Olympic Games.

The first summer Paralympic Games was held in 1960 in Rome. New Zealand first competed in the third Paralympic Games: Tel Aviv 1968.

There are now 22 summer Paralympic sports. Paralympians have represented New Zealand in most Para sports. This includes some sports which are not currently part of the Paralympic Games competition, such as bowls and Para sailing. To date, no one has represented New Zealand in Para badminton at the Paralympic Games.

black and white photo of New Zealand in the procession of the Opening Ceremony of Tel Aviv 1968. Most are in wheelchairs and wear white boater hats.
New Zealand at the Opening Ceremony of Tel Aviv 1968

Paralympic Games by city and year

New Zealand Medal History – Summer Paralympic Games

New Zealand has competed at 14 summer Paralympic Games, winning a total of 201 medals, including 80 golds. The biggest medal haul for New Zealand was at New York & Stoke Mandeville 1984.

GamesLocationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
2020Tokyo, Japan63312
2016Rio de Janeiro, Brazil95721
2012London, England67417
2008Beijing, China53412
2004Athens, Greece61310
2000Sydney, Australia68418
1996Atlanta, USA96318*
1992Barcelona, Spain5106
1988Seoul, South Korea241117
1984New York, USA & Stoke Mandeville, England810725
1980Arnhem, Holland76619
1976Toronto, Canada71513
1972Heidelberg, Germany3339
1968Tel Aviv, Israel1214
1964 Tokyo, JapanNew Zealand did not attend
1960Rome, ItalyNew Zealand did not attend

* Wheelchair rugby was included as a demonstration event at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, and New Zealand won bronze. Medals were awarded but are not included in the official medal tally.