New Zealand Olympic Committee Media Release

The New Zealand Olympic Committee is celebrating an historic Special General Assembly (SGA) in Auckland today, which has seen the organisation elect its first female President, as well as honour its outgoing President and name three lifetime members.

Highly respected Sports Governance leader Liz Dawson is set to take up the NZOC Presidency after being elected by the NZOC Membership at today’s SGA.

Dawson brings significant leadership and governance experience from across the public, private, and sports sectors from within New Zealand and offshore. She has been directly involved in the Olympic Movement and is an outstanding advocate for sport and athletes. In 2022 Dawson delivered the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand as Chair of the Local Organising Committee during the Covid-19 pandemic and facing extraordinary circumstances. Dawson was recommended for the role by the NZOC Board Appointment’s Panel.

“I’m honoured to be taking up this role and look forward to supporting and the experienced New Zealand Olympic Committee Board, Management and staff as they create an environment which allows our athletes and teams to excel and make our country proud at both Olympic and Commonwealth Games,” said Dawson.

“The organisation has an incredible opportunity as we prepare for Paris 2024, ahead of a host of Games in and around our part of the world, culminating with the Brisbane Commonwealth Games in 2032.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to outgoing NZOC President Mike Stanley who has been in the role since 2009. Mike has been a tireless leader of the organisation, leading it through some challenging times with resolute and clear direction. I thank Mike for his service and look forward to his ongoing contribution to sport in New Zealand.”

Dawson has been a NZOC Board member for 11 years and is the current Board Deputy Chair. She chairs the NZOC Integrity Committee and is a member of the Performance and Remuneration Committee. Dawson has served on the ANOC and ONOC Gender Equity Committees within the wider Olympic Movement. She was awarded an International Olympic Committee’s Women in Sport Diploma in 2021.

Dawson will take up the role from November 1^st and will be the first female President in the organisations 111-year history.