The NZ Paralympic Team takes the stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games from 7–16 March NZT. The milestone 50th anniversary edition will get underway with the Opening Ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, starting from 8am (NZT) on Saturday (7 March).  

Due to performance priorities, New Zealand will opt (like some other teams) to not attend the Opening Ceremony in person, but will still be part of it remotely, with footage included in the event. The ceremony will be screened live on TVNZ Duke. 

New Zealand’s highly experienced Para alpine skiing duo Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM and #188 Corey Peters MNZM is targeting further success to add to the team’s tally of 35 medals, including 17 gold, won over the past five decades. 

Adam Hall has been named as the official flagbearer and is poised to make history with a record-extending sixth competitive appearance at the Paralympic Winter Games — the most ever by a Kiwi. The milestone will also see him equal the record for the most Paralympic Games appearances by a New Zealander, matching the feat of Summer Paralympians - Paralympian #4 Graham Condon QSM and #148 Michael Johnson MNZM. 

“I’m proud to represent New Zealand on the global stage once again and to show what’s possible for the next generation of Kiwi Para athletes watching back home. Milano Cortina is going to be an unforgettable experience, and I’m ready to give everything I have out on the snow,” he said. 

Corey Peters is set to compete at his fourth Paralympic Winter Games and aiming to continue his streak of having podiumed on each previous occasion. After winning a Giant Slalom Sitting silver medal on his Paralympic debut in Sochi 2014, he then added a bronze medal in the Men’s Downhill Sitting at Pyeongchang 2018. Peters, who hails from New Plymouth, enjoyed his finest hour at Beijing 2022. Executing a near perfect run, the Wānaka-based sit skier claimed a stunning gold medal in the Men’s Downhill Sitting and silver in the Men’s Super-G Sitting. 

He said: “Representing New Zealand and wearing the silver fern is something that never gets old — it’s a privilege to stand alongside such an inspiring team. I’m excited to compete in Milano Cortina, soak up the atmosphere, and give everything I have in pursuit of another strong performance for my country.” 

NZ Paralympic Team Milano Cortina 2026 Chef de Mission Jane Stevens said: “We are incredibly proud to be here at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Our preparation, including a highly valuable holding camp, has gone extremely well. The dedication and professionalism shown by our Paralympians, coaches, whānau and support staff behind the scenes has been truly outstanding.”

TVNZ Duke and TVNZ+ will broadcast coverage of the Paralympic Winter Games, which will attract around 665 Paralympians competing across 79 events in six Para sports. Coverage on TVNZ Duke will begin from either 9 or 9.30pm each night and run through until the next morning. TVNZ+ will run up to five dedicated pop-up channels with live and delayed content, plus replays and highlights.  

Peters will be the first Kiwi in action at Milano Cortina 2026, defending his Men’s Downhill Sitting title on Saturday 7 March. His event will follow the completion of the Men's Downhill Vision Impaired (VI) and Men's Downhill Standing events (VI is scheduled from 10.50pm).  

For more Games-related information go here.