News

On behalf of the entire Winter Games NZ team I would like to thank everyone who helped us celebrate 10 years of excellence in 2019. It has been inspiring and humbling – from the amazing achievements of world class athletes to the 200 plus volunteers who are the heart of our event, the team is extremely proud of Winter Games NZ and its accomplishments.

First and foremost I would like to thank the athletes, officials and venues as without them we could not host a world class sporting event. The athletes brought their exceptional talent, competitive drive and awesome personalities and delivered thrilling competitions. We couldn’t have asked for more!

Our generous sponsors were fundamental to the success of this year’s event and we thank them for their support and the work they put in to ensure the 2019 Winter Games NZ were successful. A heartfelt thank you to our naming sponsor Queenstown Resort College who backed the Games to ensure they were delivered to a world class standard. Thank you also to our presenting sponsors Cardrona Alpine Resort (Park and Pipe Series), Forsyth Barr (Cross Country, Curling), NZ Ski (Alpine Series), The North Face (Frontier) and Queenstown Resort College (Ice Hockey). This year we also celebrated two exciting new partnerships with Sky Sport NZ showcasing our incredible winter sports to New Zealand  and Skyline Luge supporting our volunteer programme.

The funding and support we received from the New Zealand Government (New Zealand Major Events, Sport NZ), local government (QLDC), the New Zealand Olympic Committee, a multitude of local and national Charitable, Community and Gaming Trusts, local tourism organisations Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism, our support sponsors, suppliers and Patrons allowed us to deliver another truly world class event.

To our venue partners, you are integral in the delivery of a successful Games. You open your facilities to a huge influx of competitors, allow our team to become part of your family and you consistently provide a premium experience and world class venues for the athletes to compete in and on.

To our incredible volunteers; you are the backbone of the Winter Games NZ and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for generously giving us your time. You welcomed everyone to our beautiful part of the world and showed them true Kiwi hospitality. You had an endless supply of smiles, regardless of the time of the day you may have woken up. Volunteers are the life blood of New Zealand sport and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

They say it takes a village, and without the efforts of everyone involved, the QRC Winter Games NZ fuelled by Forsyth Barr wouldn’t have been the success it was this year. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the Winter Games NZ becomes a ‘must-do’ event on the global winter sports calendar. 

Finally, I would like to say a massive thank you to Sir Eion Edgar who is stepping down as Chair of the Winter Games NZ Charitable Trust. Sir Eion not only established Winter Games NZ, but he has tirelessly given his time, energy and support since the events inception. Sir Eion’s drive and determination have allowed us to get to 2019 and to celebrate 10 years of excellence. Your legacy will live on for many years to come.  

It has been an honour to lead the Winter Games NZ team in our tenth year of excellence and I am incredibly proud of our staff who have gone above and beyond to once again create an event we can be proud of – 26 snow and ice sports events at 6 venues over 17 action packed days.

Kia kaha!

Marty Toomey
Chief Executive, Winter Games NZ