TVNZ’s Plus-Size Paralympics

TVNZ DELIVERS EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE MILANO CORTINA 2026 PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES

TVNZ is proud to deliver comprehensive coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games across TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE from Saturday 7 March to Monday 16 March.

From the excitement of the opening ceremony on 7 March at 8am local time, Kiwi audiences can follow all the action from the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games with five dedicated streaming channels on TVNZ+ as well as vast coverage on TVNZ DUKE.

Jenny-May Clarkson will host a live one-hour studio show to open each of the nine days of competition, after which viewers can stay with TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+ through the evening for uninterrupted sport.

Joining Jenny-May in the studio will be Steven Bayley, a gold and three-time Paralympic Winter Games bronze medallist for the NZ Paralympic Team and NZ Paralympic Team Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games Assistant Coach, Scott Palmer.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting TVNZ’s live studio show for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, bringing the action and inspiring stories straight into homes across the motu,” says Clarkson.

“This event offers Kiwi audiences a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our Paralympic athletes and immerse themselves in the excitement of winter sports.

I can’t wait for viewers to be captivated and for us to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary Para athletes as the Games unfold.”

TVNZ will closely follow two of New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympians; five-time Paralympic medallist Adam Hall, one of the country’s most accomplished winter athletes, and four-time Paralympic medallist Corey Peters, whose journey is one of resilience and reinvention – both of whom will once again take to the slopes in Para alpine skiing.

TVNZ’s 1News at Six, Breakfast, Te Karere, Seven Sharp, and 1News.co.nz will roll out feature pieces, interviews, results, and highlights packages as they unfold across the nine days of the Games, giving audiences genuine insight into the people beyond the medals, and European Correspondent Kate Nicol-Williams will spend time on the ground in Italy providing live updates and athlete access.

TVNZ’s Chief News and Content Officer Nadia Tolich says, “The Paralympic Games embody the spirit and perseverance of our athletes.

“With NZ on Air’s support, we are honoured to bring Kiwis coverage from Italy’s awe-inspiring winter landscapes and stand with Aotearoa as we celebrate our athletes’ courage and dedication.”

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) CEO Greg Warnecke says, “The continued dedication and partnership of TVNZ to deliver the most extensive broadcast of the Paralympic Winter Games – live, free and on-demand across Aotearoa New Zealand – will showcase the performances of the NZ Paralympic Team at this pinnacle Para sport event.

“But the coverage goes even further, giving all New Zealanders something positive to talk about, and increasing awareness of disability, which will create more opportunities for the next generation of Winter Paralympians.”

Marking the 50th anniversary of the very first Paralympic Winter Games, this year’s milestone event will bring together around 600 athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports. For the first time, Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles will feature, adding to the excitement and diversity of competition.

TVNZ+

Five dedicated channels streaming live from 9.30pm–10.30am each day for the duration of the games

TVNZ DUKE

Saturday 7 March: Opening Ceremony, from 8am

Saturday 7–Monday 9 March: 9.30pm – 10.30am

Tuesday 10–Sunday 15 March: 9pm – 10.30am

Monday 16 March: Closing Ceremony, from 8am

TVNZ’s Paralympics coverage is made with funding support from NZ on Air and proudly sponsored by Harvey Norman.