- Hon Mark Mitchell
Duane Kale ONZM has been appointed Chair of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sport NZ), Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell announced today.
"It is with great enthusiasm that I announce the appointment of an outstanding champion in Paralympic sport and governance to lead Sport NZ and High Performance Sport.
"Duane brings a wealth of sports administration experience having been Deputy Chair of the Sport New Zealand Board and High Performance Sport New Zealand since 2023. He is a respected independent director and sports sector leader and has been a member of the Paralympics New Zealand Board and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) since 2013, holding the role of Vice President since 2017.
"Duane was recently presented with the Paralympic Order, the highest level of recognition awarded to individuals associated with the Paralympic Movement.
"I look forward to working with Duane to help support our communities to be active, healthy and connected," says Mr Mitchell.
"I also extend my gratitude to Raewyn Lovett ONZM for her service to Sport NZ since 2018, first as a Board member, then as Deputy Chair from 2021, and most recently as Chair since July 2023."
Biography
Duane Kale ONZM, independent director of Wellington, currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Sport New Zealand Board and its subsidiary, High Performance Sport New Zealand.
He is a New Zealand Paralympian who claimed six medals at the 1996 Paralympic Games, including four gold, and was Chef de Mission of the New Zealand team at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Duane has since served on a variety of boards and advisory committees both domestically and internationally, including the International Paralympic Committee since 2013, holding the role of Vice President from 2017-2025.
