This resource has been designed to help you identify some of the organisations you can draw on to support your disability inclusion mahi.
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ)
Website: https://paralympics.org.nz/
Who: Nationally identified Para athletes.
Primary impairment support: Eligible classifications (more info here).
Responsibilities:
- NZ’s National Paralympic Committee (member of IPC).
- Classification support.
- Paralympic Games selection.
Support:
- Support of PNZ Members to develop Para sport pathways.
- Facilitate connections and collaboration between national and regional organsiations.
- Seeing is Believing – Paralympic Education Programme.
- LevelUp – modules for coaching disabled athletes.
The Halberg Foundation
Website: https://halberg.co.nz/
Who: 5–21-year-olds.
Primary impairment support: Physical and vision impairments.
Responsibilities:
- Disability inclusion and advocacy nationally, regionally and locally.
- Activity fund (financial support for 5–21-year-olds with physical and visual impairments to access sport).
- Annual National Games & other bespoke regional events.
Support:
- 8 regional advisers who support young people and organisations (find yours).
- Disability Inclusion training for coaches, teachers, and organisations.
- CoachMate App content and activities.
Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ)
Website: https://specialolympics.org.nz/
Who: Children and adults.
Primary impairment support: Learning and intellectual disabilities.
Responsibilities:
- 42 Clubs across New Zealand – year round program of training and competition.
- Support teams to World Games.
- Schools Programme.
- Young Athletes programme.
Support:
- 8 Regional Sports Coordinators who can provide support and guidance.
- Online training and education available.
Blind Sport New Zealand
Website: https://www.blindsport.kiwi/
Who: Children and adults.
Primary impairment support: Blind, deafblind and low vision.
Responsibilities:
- Charged with leading sport and recreation opportunities and driving participation in blind and low vision sport.
- Support the NZ Blind Cricket Association who offer training weekends as well as international playing opportunities.
Support:
- Accessible sport kits across country for hire (no cost).
- Provide PD opportunities (online and in person).
- Can offer event support/guidance and delivery.
Deaf Sports New Zealand
Website: https://deafsports.nz/
Who: Children and adults
Primary impairment support: Deaf and hard of hearing
Responsibilities:
- Promote and develop sport opportunities for the Deaf community.
- Support teams on international pathways (Deaflympics, Australia Deaf Games, International World Championships).
- Supports National Sports Organisations in their tournaments and events.
Support:
- Providing support to NZ Deaf Cricket.
- Providing support to athletes / officials.
- Providing connection/networking opportunities between sports organisations and Deaf Sports organisations.
Parafed Network – regional organisations
Website: https://www.parafednetwork.co.nz/
Who: Children and adults
Primary impairment support: All impairments
Responsibilities:
- Deliver sport (and play & active recreation) opportunities locally.
- Regional leadership and advocacy.
- Collaboration with other regional and national disability organisations, RST’s and schools to build inclusive opportunities.
Support:
- Can offer support and guidance - Find your local Parafed.
- Adaptive equipment.
- Classification support.
