Cameron Leslie MNZM has been appointed as the new intern on the Sport NZ board - a position created by Sport NZ in 2017 as part of its Future Directors Programme to help develop young leaders with an interest in governance, and to further strengthen the board by adding greater diversity.

The first board intern, Chelsea Grootveld, held the position from March 2017 to March 2018 and is now a full member of the board of High Performance Sport NZ.

"Cameron is a talented and aspiring young leader, and the board is looking forward to working with him and contributing to his journey into governance," says Sport NZ Chair Bill Moran.

"The Future Directors Programme has so far been a tremendous success, offering new perspectives and diversity of thought and discussion, and we look for to continuing that through Cameron's contribution."

A member of both the New Zealand para swimming and wheelchair rugby teams, Mr Leslie is a world champion athlete whose sporting achievements include three consecutive Paralympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016) in the 150m individual medley. He holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from Auckland University of Technology and has worked as journalist, swimming coach, event coordinator at Parafed Northland and, currently, as the National Para Swimming Development Coordinator at Swimming New Zealand, where he is responsible for growing the sport of Para swimming nationally at all levels.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Leslie says he is looking forward to contributing to the Sport NZ board and making the most of this development opportunity.

"I've been fortunate to be involved at all levels of sport, from grassroots to elite, and I'm looking forward to making the most of this experience in governance and contributing to the important work of Sport NZ."

"It's an exciting time to be joining the board, with Sport NZ having recently launched a new 12-year strategic direction and its first disability plan. They have a wonderful new vision to get Every Body Active and I'm looking forward to contributing to that journey."

Sport NZ's board intern attends all board meetings and takes part in board discussions. They do not, however, have voting rights.

ENDS