March 18, 2026

#hakinakina: Paralympic success at Milano Cortina sparks national pride in Aotearoa

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 18, 2026

Aotearoa is celebrating a strong showing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, with the New Zealand team delivering performances that have captured national attention and pride.

Paralympics New Zealand says the team’s campaign has given the country something to talk about, not just in terms of results, but in the way athletes have challenged perceptions and showcased the depth of talent within para sport.

Competing against some of the world’s best, New Zealand athletes delivered standout performances across multiple disciplines, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation on the international winter sports stage. The campaign has also been seen as a continuation of efforts to shift how disability sport is viewed, focusing on performance, excellence and achievement.

The Milano Cortina Games, held in Italy, brought together elite athletes from around the world, with the New Zealand team aiming to build on previous Paralympic success while inspiring audiences back home.

Paralympics New Zealand has placed a strong emphasis on changing attitudes towards disability through sport, encouraging New Zealanders to focus on the skill, determination and achievements of athletes rather than their impairments.

The team’s performances have resonated across the country, generating conversation and engagement as whānau followed the progress of athletes competing on the world stage.

Beyond the medals and results, the campaign has been framed as part of a broader movement to increase visibility and recognition of para athletes, ensuring their stories and successes are seen as an integral part of Aotearoa’s sporting identity.

The Games have also highlighted the importance of continued investment in high-performance pathways and support systems that enable athletes to compete internationally.

As the Milano Cortina Paralympics draw to a close, the impact of the team’s performances is expected to extend beyond the competition itself, inspiring the next generation of athletes and strengthening public awareness of para sport.

For many across Aotearoa, the campaign has been a reminder of the power of sport to unite communities and celebrate achievement, with the performances in Italy leaving a lasting impression on the national sporting landscape.