A movement with a long history
The DSANZ network has its roots in a disability sport movement that began in Aotearoa more than 60 years ago.
Join us on the journey and take a read of our milestones along the way.
1962
The beginning
An Auckland paraplegic becomes the first New Zealander to participate in an international sports event for people with disabilities, competing at the British Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Western Australia.
1965
The first regional organisation
Auckland establishes New Zealand's first regional disability sport association.
1966
The movement grows
Christchurch hosts the first inter-regional games, while New Zealand athletes compete internationally at the Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.
1968
A national organisation
The New Zealand Paraplegic & Physically Disabled Federation is formed as the national sports organisation for people with disabilities.
The first National Disabled Championships are also held, with 29 competitors.
2007
A new chapter
The New Zealand Paraplegic & Physically Disabled Federation becomes Paralympics New Zealand.
2015
Working together
Regional Parafed organisations come together to form the ParaFed Network, creating a collective voice and a way to share knowledge, experience and resources.
2025
DSANZ is born
The ParaFed Network becomes Disability Sport Aotearoa New Zealand (DSANZ), which is incorporated as a society.
The name reflects the broader role of the national network today, connecting organisations working across disability sport, recreation and physical activity.
