TVNZ will deliver comprehensive coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games live and free across its terrestrial and streaming channels next month.
Kiwi audiences will be able to follow all the action, starting with the opening ceremony at 8am on March 7.
Nine days of competition follows, ending on March 16, with five dedicated streaming channels on TVNZ+ and coverage on TVNZ Duke.
Jenny-May Clarkson will host a live one-hour studio show to open each of the nine days, joined by gold and three-time bronze medallist Steven Bayley and Beijing Paralympic assistant coach Scott Palmer.
Clarkson said she was thrilled to host the live studio show and bring the action straight into homes across the motu.
"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," she said.
"I can’t wait for viewers to be captivated and for us to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary athletes as the Games unfold."
TVNZ will follow two of New Zealand's most decorated Paralympians: five-time Paralympian medallist Adam Hall, one of the country’s most accomplished winter athletes, and four-time medallist Corey Peters, who both compete in the Para alpine skiing.
1News at Six, Breakfast, Te Karere, Seven Sharp, and 1News.co.nz will have coverage as the Games unfold across the nine days of competition, with European Correspondent Kate Nicol-Williams to spend time on the ground in Italy.
'Athletes’ courage and dedication'
TVNZ chief news and content officer Nadia Tolich said the Paralympic Games embodied the spirit and perseverance of New Zealand's 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."
Paralympic NZ chief executive Greg Warnecke said the partnership would showcase the performances of the team at the 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."
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Paralympic Winter Games and the event will bring together around 600 athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports. Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles will feature for the first time.
TVNZ's Paralympics coverage is made with funding support from NZ on Air and sponsored by Harvey Norman.
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