NZOC Outlines Year Of Transition At 2025 General Assembly

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has presented its 2025 Annual Report at its General Assembly, held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland.

Representatives from the NZOC’s Member Sports were in attendance as NZOC President Liz Dawson acknowledged the past year as one of transition into a new quadrangular, and preparation, as the organisation looked ahead to a triple Games year in 2026.

“The past year allowed us space and time to reflect on and strengthen our foundations and set a clear direction through to 2028. In doing so, we launched our 2025–2028 strategy, resetting our key objectives and mapping a path to achieve them,” said Dawson.

Dawson acknowledged Kirsty Coventry as she stepped into her role as President of the IOC and Dr DonaldRukareas the new President of Commonwealth Sport.

“We look forward to working alongside both Presidents and welcoming them to Auckland later this month as part of the 2026 Oceania National Olympic Committee’s General Assembly.”

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

“We extend our gratitude to our Member Sports, the Sport New Zealand Group, along with our family of commercial partners, donors and suppliers, for their ongoing support,” she said.

Board Election

Members confirmed the re-election of Meg Matthews to the NZOC Board.

Matthews brings extensive governance experience across the public, private and notforprofit sectors, including current directorships with Christchurch International Airport Limited, Port Nelson, and former Chair and Director roles with the Cawthron Institute.

Her background in commercial, finance, risk and organisational performance adds significant depth and capability around the Board table.

NZOC Order Recipients

Three individuals were acknowledged as NZOC Order Recipients, recognising outstanding service to the Olympic Movement and New Zealand sport:

Mike Kernaghan
Mike Stanley CNZM (Olympian #504)
Maria Clarke

“Mike Kernaghan has made a significant contribution to elite sport as a world champion and Commonwealth Games medallist in lawn bowls as well as long service to the Olympic Movement in Aotearoa New Zealand. We thank him for three decades of service to the NZOC, from sitting on the NZOC Athletes’ Commission and the NZOC Board and his ongoing work on the NZOC Selection Panel,” said NZOC President Liz Dawson.

“Mike Stanley’s NZOC Order recognises decades of service to the NZOC and the Olympic Movement. Mike raced in New Zealand’s Men’s Eight at Los Angeles 1984 and was part of crews that won world championship gold in 1982 and 1983. He then went on to lead the NZOC as President from 2009 to 2022 and has continued to serve the New Zealand Olympic whānau as Honorary President,” said NZOC President Liz Dawson.

“Maria Clarke’s NZOC Order recognises her work in sport governance and integrity that’s strengthened the Olympic Movement. Maria has advised across high-stakes sport matters including selection disputes that reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Maria has also served the NZOC directly as a member of the NZOC Board and a current member of the NZOC Integrity Committee as well as various roles in the wider Olympic family,” said NZOC President Liz Dawson.

NZOC Financial Report

Members received and adopted the 2025 NZOC Financial Report, as presented in the 2025 Annual Report.

The NZOC reported a net deficit of $220,000 for 2025, the result of a non-Games transition year.

Commercial partnerships continued to play a crucial role in NZOC operations, contributing 37% of total funding in 2025. Pleasingly it was noted through contributions to Members and Athletes reached over $3.8m including donations, Olympic Solidarity payments and the Athlete Collective.

The NZOC acknowledged and thanked its valued partners anddonorsfor their continued investment in 2025.

“This financial result reflects a stable organisational position with continued investment in athletes and careful management of resources following a major Games year. We continue to seek partnerships with aligned individuals and organisations who believe in the kaupapa of the New Zealand Team and how they can inspire the nation. These partnerships will help to build resilience into the next Quad to strengthen and safeguard our financial position,” said NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol.

Membership Updates

Minor amendments to the NZOC constitution were approved during the General Assembly to lengthen the period of co-option of Board members to align with the term of elected Board members, as well as update references to the Sport Integrity Commission

Taekwondo New Zealand was approved as a new Full Member.

DanceSport New Zealand transitioned from Full Member to Associate Member status.

Combat Sports New Zealand was removed from membership.

The full 2025 NZOC Annual Report and Financial Statements are available here: https://olympic.org.nz/more/about-us

About the New Zealand Olympic Committee: 

The New Zealand Olympic Committee represents both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games Movements in New Zealand.

Established in 1911, NZOC has used its unique mandate to select and lead more than 60 teams to Olympic and Commonwealth Games across the globe.

Athletes and teams represent Aotearoa New Zealand with honour and pride and the silver fern is a symbol of their sporting success. For decades the teams and athletes have showcased our unique culture and values on the world stage.

NZOC is a charity and relies heavily on commercial, philanthropy and other funding partnerships as they promote sport and the Olympic values and help create New Zealand history.

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