Wilson has taken up the role of Para-sport high performance athlete development manager, which will see her lead and manage PNZ’s identification and athlete development programmes in collaboration with the organisation’s members and key partners.

Having completed her doctorate specific to the development of sport expertise, as well as boasting spells working as a senior consultant for talent identification and development at the Australian Institute of Sport and with Australian Canoeing as national pathway manager, PNZ believe Wilson will prove key to supporting future talent.

She will initially work with PNZ targeted Para-sports to review existing pathways, programmes and training practices while also developing an evidence-based talent transfer system.

Wilson will hope to increase participation by working with PNZ partner ACC on a series of talent identification activities.

“I am really looking forward to building on the success of past talent identification and development programmes and enhancing opportunities for emerging Para-athletes,” said Wilson.

“I can’t wait to get to work with our member sports and organisations to strengthen capacity and capability in the areas of Para-athlete pathway planning, emerging Para-athlete development and talent identification.

“Together, I am confident we will find New Zealand’s Paralympic medallists of the future.”

Wall has also joined the team as a Para-sport community development manager.

His role will see him try to generate awareness and create opportunities for disabled people to access and develop skills through the Para-sport network.

It is hoped that para-athletes would then be able to continue to develop and progress though the PNZ talent identification programme.

Wall will work closely in his position with Wilson, with the newly-created positions replacing the single role of talent identification manager in the hope that the increased team can help to develop Para-sport in the country.

“We are delighted with the appointments of Melissa Wilson and Kieran Wall,” said Malcolm Humm, PNZ high performance director.

"Combined, they both bring to PNZ a strong mix of theoretical and practical knowledge regarding community Para-sport, Para-athlete and coach pathways, talent identification and talent transfer systems.

“We believe that the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will drive awareness and great excitement for Para-sport in New Zealand, both among potential Para-athletes and the public.

“These newly-created roles will ensure new Para-athletes have a seamless progression through Para-sport pathways, that Para-athletes and coaches understand what each Para-sport pathway entails and that Para-athletes are provided the best possible opportunity to become medal-winning Paralympians.”