The NZ Paralympic Team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games was officially farewelled at Government House in Auckland (Wednesday 22 October).
A team of two Para athletes - Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM and Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM - who were selected in July - were both present at the Farewell. The NZ Paralympic Team Milano Cortina 2026 support staff were also announced - joining the NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Jane Stevens who was unveiled earlier this year.
Paralympics New Zealand CEO Greg Warnecke welcomed more than 80 special guests at the official residence of the Governor-General of New Zealand with TVNZ presenter Simon Dallow acting as Master of Ceremonies for the formal part of the evening.
Stevens unveiled both the Team, and Hall as Opening Ceremony flagbearer for the NZ Paralympic Team at Milano Cortina 2026.
Hall is poised to make a record-extending sixth appearance at the Paralympic Winter Games -- the most by any New Zealand athlete - after making his debut at Torino 2006. This milestone will also see him equal the record for the most Paralympic Games appearances by a Kiwi, matching the six Paralympic Summer Games appearances of Paralympians #4 Graham Condon QSM and #148 Michael Johnson MNZM.
The Dunedin-raised Para alpine skier has claimed five Paralympic medals during a storied career, including gold medals in the Men's Slalom Standing events at the Vancouver 2010 and PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Competing in the Men's Slalom Standing and Men's Giant Slalom Standing events at Milano Cortina 2026, should he win one more medal, he will match Paralympian #55 Patrick Cooper as the most decorated New Zealand Winter Paralympian.
Four-time Paralympic medallist Peters is all set for his fourth Paralympic Games at Milano Cortina 2026. The Para alpine skier, who hails from New Plymouth, defends the Men's Downhill Sitting title he won in Beijing 2022. He also competes in the Men's Super-G Sitting and Men's Giant Slalom Sitting at Milano Cortina 2026.
Hall and Peters head overseas next month to step up their preparations for the Games.
Stevens said: "I am incredibly proud at naming a NZ Paralympic Team led by two very special Paralympians. For Adam Hall to be selected for a record-breaking sixth Paralympic Winter Games for New Zealand is an incredible accomplishment. He has grown into an inspirational voice for Para athletes both at home and around the world, and I'm delighted to announce him as flagbearer in Milano Cortina.
"Like Adam, Corey has also developed into a consistently world-class performer and both he and Adam embody the spirit and leadership of the NZ Paralympic Team, thanks to their whole-hearted commitment and ability to excel on the world stage.
"But behind every great Para athlete is an exceptional Team, and we are fortunate to have an outstanding group of world-class support staff travelling to Milano Cortina 2026. Their expertise and dedication will be critical to ensure our Paralympians are fully prepared to perform at their very best."
Hall said: "Being named flagbearer for our close-knit team is a tremendous honour and privilege. The Paralympic Winter Games offer a rare opportunity -- only once every four years -- to showcase our sport and inspire others. To represent not only our country, but also the family, friends, and community who have stood by us throughout our journey, makes this moment incredibly special."
Stevens announced the other support staff as part of the NZ Paralympic Team; Lynette Grace (Deputy Chef de Mission), Dan Bogue (Head Coach), Sam Lynch (Assistant Coach), Hamish Morison (Wax and Equipment Technician), Dr Julie Milmine (Medical and Health Lead), Helene Barron (Team Physiotherapist), Sarah de Wattignar (Team Psychologist) and Jack Bouchier (Media Liaison and Content Creator). All the support staff - apart from Morison, who is overseas - were present at the Farewell event.
For the bios of the Milano Cortina 2026 NZ Paralympic Team go here.
***The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games take place from 6-15 March. Up to 665 Para athletes, from around 50 countries compete in 79 medal events, across six Para sports. Follow the action on TVNZ Duke and TVNZ+.
NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible.
Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter).
About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ)
Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society.
To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport.
Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible.