“I am looking forward to working with PNZ and our inspirational para-athletes and supporting efforts to promote their participation in events at home and abroad.”

As the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated across the world on 3 Wednesday (3 December), Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is delighted and honoured to announce that His Excellency Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand has graciously accepted an invitation to become the organisation's Patron.

In accepting the appointment His Excellency said: “I am looking forward to working with PNZ and our inspirational para-athletes and supporting efforts to promote their participation in events at home and abroad.”

Dr Selwyn Maister, Chairperson of PNZ, said: “After the passing of our former Patron and passionate Paralympic sport advocate Sir Paul Holmes last year, PNZ has been through a thorough process to identify a replacement.

“We are thrilled that His Excellency has accepted our invitation and look forward to his future involvement and support.”

The next few years will be a period of great change for para-sport in New Zealand and it is hugely encouraging to have His Excellency's appointment as Patron of PNZ confirmed.

There is exponential growth in para-sport, both nationally and internationally.

In September 2013 PNZ adopted a new Strategic Plan 2013 – 2020 - “Towards 2020" and the organisation has been revitalised to align with this new plan and direction. This included the development of crucial new roles and recruitment of new high quality staff.

PNZ aims to be at the very forefront of the change and growth of para-sport by providing the very best support to para-athletes to continue to succeed on the World Stage and in doing so, inspire the New Zealand public.