Backing for Kiwi athletes
Toyota NZ has extended its partnership with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Paralympics NZ (PNZ) for four years.
Susanne Hardy, assistant vice-president at Toyota NZ, describes it as a natural extension of the company’s Let’s Go Places vision.
“These partnerships unite communities, celebrate diversity, and showcase what’s possible through perseverance and performance,” she says.
Toyota NZ has teamed up with the NZOC and PNZ since 2018 in addition to its global Toyota Olympic and Paralympic partnership. While the global deal recently ended, the company is continuing to partner at a local level to support Kiwis on the world stage.
“Toyota helps keep the NZOC’s people and programmes moving while helping to create connection between communities and the New Zealand team,” says Nicki Nicol, the NZOC’s chief executive and secretary general.
As part of the deal, Toyota will continue to provide a range of hybrids, including the RAV4, Prado, Highlander and Hilux, to keep the NZOC and PNZ teams moving.
Greg Warnecke, CEO and secretary general of PNZ, says: “We are delighted Toyota has renewed its long-standing support for para sport and the NZ team. It will help Paralympians, aspiring athletes and the wider Paralympic movement thrive across Aotearoa.”
A key highlight of the partnership is a joint Olympic and Paralympic community-activation programme in the lead-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will bring fans, schools and clubs together across New Zealand to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the inspiration of both movements.
Toyota NZ also remains a major supporter of PNZ’s Seeing Is Believing programme, which works with primary schools to promote understanding and positive attitudes toward disability, helping to create a more inclusive future for all Kiwis.
The renewed partnership will support athletes through major events including the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Beyond team support, Toyota sponsors some of our most inspiring athletes including Dame Lisa Carrington, Emma Twigg, David Liti, Dame Valerie Adams, who has retired, and Paralympian Cameron Leslie.
