What Does Special Olympics New Zealand Do?

Total employees20
HeadquartersSeaview, Lower Hutt
Founded1983

Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) is a non-profit organisation providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. SONZ offers these individuals continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. They aim to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Where Is Special Olympics New Zealand's Headquarters?

Special Olympics New Zealand officeSpecial Olympics New Zealand officeSpecial Olympics New Zealand officeSpecial Olympics New Zealand office
*Images sourced via web search. Rights belong to original owners

HQ Function

The headquarters coordinates national sports programs, athlete development, volunteer management, fundraising initiatives, communications, and strategic partnerships for Special Olympics New Zealand.

Notable Features:

Located within the Pelorus Trust Sports House, a facility that hosts various national and regional sports organizations, fostering collaboration and shared resources within the New Zealand sporting community.

Work Culture:

The work culture is likely mission-driven, passionate, and inclusive, with a strong focus on advocating for and supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. It emphasizes teamwork, community engagement, and the transformative power of sport.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters is crucial for the centralized planning and execution of Special Olympics New Zealand's mission, ensuring consistent program delivery and support for thousands of athletes and volunteers nationwide.

Values Reflected in HQ: The location within a sports hub reflects values of collaboration, community, and dedication to sport. The operations within reflect inclusion, empowerment, and respect.

Location:

Special Olympics New Zealand is an accredited program of Special Olympics International, a global movement serving millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities in over 170 countries. While SONZ's operations are focused within New Zealand, it actively participates in the global network by sending athletes to World Games, adopting international best practices for sports and health programs, and contributing to global awareness campaigns. This connection allows for shared learning, resources, and a unified approach to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

Street Address:

Level 1, Pelorus Trust Sports House, 20 Hutt Park Road

City:

Seaview, Lower Hutt

State/Province:

Wellington

Country:

New Zealand

Where Else Does Special Olympics New Zealand Operate Around the World?

Auckland, Auckland/New Zealand

Address: N/A (Operations managed through regional team leaders and local clubs, not a distinct corporate office)

To facilitate Special Olympics programs, events, and support services for athletes, families, and volunteers across the Auckland and Upper North Island regions.

Christchurch, Canterbury/New Zealand

Address: N/A (Operations managed through regional team leaders and local clubs, not a distinct corporate office)

To deliver Special Olympics initiatives, support athlete participation, and foster community engagement within the Canterbury and Upper South Island regions.

Buying Intent Signals for Special Olympics New Zealand

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Special Olympics New Zealand? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Special Olympics New Zealand' leadership includes:

Fran Scholey - Chief Executive
Shari McElliott - National Commercial and Fundraising Manager
Astie Jackson - National Sports Director
Karen Cresswell - National Manager, Schools & Youth
Sophie Jackson - National Manager, Marketing and Communications

Who's Investing in Special Olympics New Zealand?

Special Olympics New Zealand has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Sport New Zealand
NZ Lotteries Commission
The Warehouse Group
Pelorus Trust
Ministry of Health
Lion Foundation
Pub Charity Limited
NZ Community Trust (NZCT)

What Leadership Changes Has Special Olympics New Zealand Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

No major, publicly announced executive leadership (CEO, National Director level) hires or exits have been prominently featured in mainstream news for Special Olympics New Zealand in the immediate past 12 months. Fran Scholey was appointed CEO in late 2022. Minor changes in other managerial roles may occur but are not always widely publicized.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used bySpecial Olympics New Zealand?

Discover the tools Special Olympics New Zealand uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Special Olympics New Zealand Email Formats and Examples

Special Olympics New Zealand typically uses a standard email format for its national office staff, which is [firstname].[lastname]@specialolympics.org.nz. This is a common format for many organizations.

firstname.lastname@specialolympics.org.nz

Format

jane.doe@specialolympics.org.nz

Example

80%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Special Olympics New Zealand?

SunLive • December 11, 2023

Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games in Hamilton hailed a success

The Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games held in Hamilton were a major success, with over 1200 athletes and coaches participating in 10 sports across 8 venues. The event showcased incredible athleticism and community spirit....more

Scoop Independent News • October 19, 2023

Countdown To Special Olympics National Summer Games

Special Olympics New Zealand announced the final countdown to the Freemasons New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games in Hamilton, expecting around 1,400 athletes and coaches, supported by up to 600 volunteers....more

Special Olympics New Zealand Website • February 27, 2024

Sport New Zealand And Special Olympics New Zealand Renew Partnership To Champion Inclusion In Sport

Sport New Zealand and Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) have renewed their partnership, reinforcing their joint commitment to making sport more accessible and inclusive for people with intellectual disabilities. This collaboration aims to enhance opportunities and experiences for SONZ athletes....more

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