NZOC Present 2024 Annual Report At General Assembly

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has presented its 2024 Annual Report at its General Assembly held today at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland.  

Representatives from 32 of the NZOC’s member sports were in attendance as NZOC President Liz Dawson acknowledged and thanked the organisations for their commitment to Olympic and Commonwealth Sport over the past year.

“2024 was an incredibly busy and rewarding year. With two Games campaigns, new initiatives and an ongoing programme work, it was a year that demanded unity, energy and a shared sense of purpose,” said Dawson. 

“Our New Zealand Team athletes inspired the nation with an extraordinary Paris Olympic Games campaign. We saw numerous personal bests and outstanding performances culminating in 20 medals, including a record 10 golds.” 

“Under the leadership of Chef de Mission Nigel Avery, and in collaboration with NSOs, NZOC staff, team support and High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), we created a cohesive, supportive and high performing environment. This collaborative approach fostered outstanding performances and strong post-Games satisfaction from the athletes.” 

“We can also be proud of the achievements of our young athletes at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. With seven medals, numerous personal bests, and multiple top 10 finishes, across seven disciplines, the future of New Zealand winter sports is bright.” 

Dawson thanked the organisations and individuals who make the work of the NZOC possible. 

“We extend our gratitude to Sport New Zealand and High-Performance Sport New Zealand, along with our family of commercial partners, donors and suppliers, for their ongoing support,” she said. 

Board Elections 

Liz Dawson was reappointed to the role of President and will lead the international agenda for the next four years. 

Annette Purvis was reappointed for her final four-year term on the NZOC Board, Meg Matthews was ratified as the newly elected Board Member and Dallas Seymour was also supported to continue as a co-opted member of the NZOC Board for a further 12 months, as the Pou Tikanga. 

The NZOC acknowledged and thanked outgoing Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon for her service to the New Zealand Team and NZOC Board. 

Throughout her time in the role, Puketapu-Lyndon provided sound strategic advice and strong leadership particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion. 

As the first Māori woman to chair the organisation, she has advanced the inclusion of te ao Māori at the NZOC, supporting our Māori advisory committee - Te Urunga Tū - and the appointment of the NZOC first Pouwhiringa. 

She has made a significant contribution to the NZOC and leaves as a respected Chair across the entire New Zealand Olympic whānau. 

Following the Assembly, the NZOC Board elected Glen Sowry (OLY #848) as the new Chair of the NZOC. 

Sowry said his time on the NZOC Board has prepared him well for his next step. 

"I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair at the NZOC and build on the great work Diana has done,” said Sowry. 

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board, athletes and our diverse range of stakeholders of the NZOC to support our athletes to achieve continued success at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and to continue to promote the Olympic values and instil pride and excellence in all New Zealanders." 

NZOC Order Recipients 

Olympians Chantal Brunner (OLY#692) and Ben Sandford (OLY#991) wererecognised for their outstanding service to the NZOC and Olympic Movement at the General Assembly, announced as NZOC Order recipients. 

NZOC President, Liz Dawson, said Brunner wasthoroughly deserving of the NZOC’s highest honour. 

“Chantal’s contribution to sport goes far beyond her achievements in the sporting arena. She has shown commitment to athlete representation, governance and integrity both here in New Zealand and on the world stage,” said Dawson. 

Athletics New Zealand Chair, Cameron Taylor, said the awardhonours Brunner'soutstanding athletics career and ongoing leadership across athletics and the Olympic movement. 

“Chantal has been a fabulous leader and role model for New Zealand athletics, representing us with distinction at multiple Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games,” said Taylor. 

“What sets Chantal apart is how she’s continued to lead and serve the sporting community long after retiring from elite competition. Through her work with the NZOC and international roles with the IOC and World Olympians Association, she’s been a powerful advocate for athlete welfare and voice. Her ongoing impact is one of excellence and integrity, both on and off the track,” he said. 

NZOC President Liz Dawson also congratulated Sandford on his award. 

“We’re proud to recognise her with the NZOC Order, an honour that reflects the impact she continues to have on the Olympic Movement,” said Dawson. 

“Ben’s recognition with the NZOC Order is a fitting tribute to the legacy he has built, particularly in the areas of anti-doping, human rights and athlete advocacy.” 

“He has been an advocate for athletes and clean sport throughout his career. His leadership and integrity have helped shape fairer, more transparent systems at all levels of sport.” 

New Zealand Bobsled and Skeleton Association President, Ross Dominikovich, said Sandford’s award was well deserved, noting his impressive portfolio of athletic performances along with a legacy of leadership and contribution. 

“It is rare to say an athlete who represented New Zealand at three Winter Olympics, including a top 10 finish, a third place at a World Championships and numerous medals at World Cups to have a better post athletic career than his athletic career. However, that can be said of Ben Sandford,” said Dominikovich. 

NZOC Financial Report 

The NZOC reported a net surplus of $1.8million for 2024. This result brought the overall performance for the quad to a near break-even, with a small deficit of $5,000. 

Commercial partnerships continued to play a key role, contributing 41% of total funding in 2024. 

The NZOC acknowledged and thanked its valued partners, donors and funders for their continued investment in 2024. 

“We’re proud to finish the Olympic cycle in such a strong position. This result is a credit to the support of our partners and the careful management of our financial resources, ensuring we can continue to back our athletes, invest in the Olympic Movement and plan with confidence for the future,” said NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol. 

NZOC Strategy 

The General Assembly provided a chance for the NZOC to present their updated 2025-2028 strategy. 

Guided by the vision to inspire pride and excellence in all New Zealanders, the updated strategy sets the framework to allow the New Zealand Team to excel at major Games, while ensuring the impact of both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games movements are amplified throughout the country. 

A detailed breakdown of the NZOC strategy can be found here. 

Robyn Cockburn receives ACE Award 

The Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) recently announced Robyn Cockburn, as this year's recipient of the 2024 ACE (Active Champion of Equity) Award. 

The ACE Award honours outstanding leaders who have embodied examples of leadership, innovation, and impact in promoting gender equity through sport in Oceania. 

Cockburn, nominated by the NZOC for the award, was unanimously chosen from several exceptional nominations put forward by five National Olympic Committees and one Sport Federation from Oceania. 

"I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the ONOC Equity Commission,” said Cockburn. 

“Participation in sport and active recreation is a fundamental right, yet many face barriers to inclusion. By raising awareness and championing the rights of those often unheard, we can make a real difference.” 

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work with so many dedicated individuals, organisations, and communities, whose collaboration has enriched my approach. This award empowers me to continue identifying and challenging barriers, creating meaningful opportunities for change,” she said. 

About the ACE Award: 

Established by ONOC's Equity Commission, the ACE Award (Advocates for Change through Equity) honours individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership and impactful contributions to the advancement of women and gender equality in sport. Nominations are open to all National Olympic Committees and members of the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania (OSFO). 

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