The Athletes Commission is an influential voice in the make-up of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
The aim of the Athletes Commission is to make a difference and be a voice for athletes when it comes to making decisions about athletes. It is a group of up to 12 New Zealand athletes who represent athletes associated with New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams. The NZOC’s Athletes Commission was established on 4 July 1986.
The guiding principle behind its creation was “to provide a bridge between participant and administrator to ensure that the ideas and needs of athletes are presented to the NZOC Executive in their own words.”Founding Commission members were Chester Burt (Shooting), Ian Ferguson (Canoeing), Richard Lockhart (Swimming), Lorraine Moller (Athletics), Ken Reinsfield (Wrestling), Chris Timms (Yachting), John Walker (Athletics). Since then, some of New Zealand’s finest athletes have served as members.
The current Athletes Commission members are:
Chantal Brunner (Athletics) (Convenor)
Hamish Carter (Triathlon)
Beatrice Faumuina (Athletics)
Tim Johnson (Paralympics)
Sarah Ulmer (Cycling)
Jonathan Wyatt (Athletics)
Lesley Rumball (Netball)
Barbara Kendall – sits on the NZ Athletes Commission as an IOC AC member (Board Sailing)
Matt Dallow (Bobsled)
Nathan Twaddle (Rowing)
Dion Gosling (Hockey)
Alison Fitch (Swimming)
Ben Sandford (Skeleton)
The Athletes Commission has a member on the NZOC Board. Chantal Brunner is the current Commission representative on the Board. Some of the issues the Athletes Commission are involved in are:
- Ensure the athletes’ perspective is heard at the Board table and at other national bodies
- Appoint a team of athletes to assist in the design of Olympic and Commonwealth Games uniforms
- Negotiate the athletes’ contract for Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams
- Negotiate an allowance for athletes at Olympic and Commonwealth Games
- Appoint personnel to the athlete support role at Olympic and Commonwealth Games
- Assist in establishing an appeals process for athletes who have selection or drug issues
- Assist athletes who have a dispute with their federation, and visit the IOC's website.
To contact the Athletes Commission, e-mail the NZOC office on office@olympic.org.nz.
Download this PDF for further information on Athletes Commissions