The New Zealand Olympic Foundation (NZOF) has officially celebrated its establishment with a launch event, highlighting its commitment to support the New Zealand Team, Olympic values, to and inspire pride and excellence in all New Zealanders.
Founded in 2021, the Foundation has built a dedicated Olympic Donor Family who empower New Zealand's Olympic journey. The NZOF works to strengthen the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s (NZOC) ability to send athletes to the Games, elevate national pride through performance achievements, invest in athlete scholarships, and fund education initiatives that encourage Kiwi youth to participate in sports. All helping to pave the way for a healthier, more active future.
With an ambitious target set initially for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Foundation has already secured over $7 million in donations and pledges, marking a strong start.
“We’re really proud of the Olympic Foundation and the support we’ve received so far is a testament to the pride New Zealanders take in our athletes, their achievements and way they show up on the world stage,” said Foundation Chair, Mike Stanley, CNZM OLY504.
“Being a part of the Olympic Foundation is about helping our New Zealand Teams win more medals, be at their best when it counts, to be part of a legacy that inspires and unites our country and the immense social good that this brings to future generations.”
Olympic Foundation trustees along with Stanley, include Mark Stewart MNZM, Mikayla Plaw, Gretchen Hawkesby, Kent Gardner, Jonty Edgar, Nicki Nicol (NZOC CEO), and Liz Dawson MNZM (NZOC President). The Olympic Donor Family is growing, and those interested in becoming part of this legacy and having an impact on New Zealand sport are able to contact the team via the NZ Olympic Foundation website – www.olympicfoundation.org.nz.
The event was attended by New Zealand Olympians who reflected on the significance of support from the Olympic Foundation.
“The Olympic Foundation’s backing of the New Zealand Team is extremely significant,” said Paris 2024 High Jump Gold Medallist Hamish Kerr.
“Knowing we have this level of support behind us is so motivating and makes a tangible difference as it allows us to concentrate on performing at our best for New Zealand. We’re extremely grateful to our Olympic Donor Family and are excited to be on the journey to LA2028.”
Other attendees included Finn Butcher (kayak slalom), Max Brown (kayaking), Sam Dakin (track cycling), Dylan Schmidt (trampoline), Ellesse Andrews (track cycling), Rebecca Petch (track cycling), Alicia Hoskin (kayaking), Ally Wollaston (track cycling), and Erika Fairweather (swimming).
With additional backing from Sport New Zealand, almost every dollar donated to NZOF goes directly toward initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the New Zealand Team and in turn, all New Zealanders.
As the Olympic Foundation sets its sights on LA2028, the goal is not only to fund future Olympic dreams but to inspire a movement of positive impact through sport that resonates across generations.