Athlete Commission
Te Athelete Commission
Athlete Commission
Te Athelete Commission
Athlete Commission
Athletes at the heart of clean sport
Athlete Commission Members
Toby Cunliffe-Steel, an elected AC member since 2023 and appointed chair in 2024, brings a wealth of experience, having participated in over ten sporting codes, including as a former New Zealand representative rower. Toby is the only New Zealand rower to have won a medal at a World University Games, winning silver in the Lightweight Single before narrowly missing Olympic qualification. Suffering from Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), his international career came to an end in 2018.
As a brain tumour survivor, his dedication extends beyond sports, volunteering for organisations like the New Zealand Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and as one of a handful of ambassadors for the Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw’s Charity, the iSport Foundation.
Leveraging his sporting and governance experiences, empowered by post-graduate qualifications, Toby is committed to improving sporting opportunities for future generations by improving the state of integrity in New Zealand.
Member
Elected to the AC in 2024, Nikki Hamblin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from on and off the track as a former New Zealand representative middle-distance runner. Nikki competed at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, winning the silver medal in the 800m and 1500m at Delhi 2010, and is a recipient of the prestigious Fair Play Award. Nikki still holds the New Zealand Women’s 1500m record today.
Nikki has worked for various Integrity organisations, including iNADO and Drug Free Sport New Zealand, in roles focusing on communication, policy advising, and education. Nikki currently works in the Education Department of the International Testing Agency, and as an assessor for the World Academy of Sport. Her academic background includes a Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity, a Te Ara Reo Māori from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences.
Given her experiences, Nikki is committed to promoting athlete rights and advocating for fair and transparent sporting environments.
Member
Ruby Tew, elected to the AC in 2023, brings a wealth of experience as a former New Zealand representative rower and two-time Olympian. Her achievements include winning Olympic Silver in the Women's Eight at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 Oxford Cambridge Boat Race.
Ruby's passion for sports extends to entrepreneurship, as she co-founded and managed a catering company, Athlete Food Co. With an MBA from the University of Cambridge, Ruby combines her sporting experience with business acumen to contribute meaningfully to the DFSNZ AC.
Based internationally Ruby is placed to ensure that the DFSNZ AC is holding itself to worldwide standards. Ruby is committed to giving back to her community and fostering a positive sporting environment.
Member
Shea McAleese, an establishment member of the AC, brings a wealth of experience as a former New Zealand representative Field Hockey Player and Olympian.
With over 320 test matches and four Olympic appearances, Shea's commitment to sports excellence is evident. His dedication extends to coaching, as he now serves as the assistant coach for both the New Zealand Men's and Women's Field Hockey teams. Shea's academic achievements include earning Masters degrees in Sports Business Management and Sports Science, further enhancing his contributions to sports leadership and development.
With a focus on preventing negative anti-doping experiences and promoting integrity in sports, Shea is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for athletes.
Member
Adam Hall, an establishment member of the AC, embodies resilience and excellence in sports as a five-time Winter Paralympian and double Winter Paralympic Champion.
Living with Spina bifida, Adam has overcome barriers to become a prominent figure in Para Alpine Skiing. He's also actively involved in sports leadership, serving as the Chair of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation's Athlete focus group for Para Alpine Skiing and the NZ Snow Sports athlete leadership team. Beyond sports, Adam's contributions extend to advocacy, recognised by his appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to sport.
With his extensive experience and dedication, Adam aims to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in sports.
Member
Tracey Lambrechs, an establishment member of the AC, brings a wealth of sporting experience as a former New Zealand representative weightlifter and Olympian. Her achievements include competing in the 75kg+ division at the Rio 2016 Olympics and winning silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Tracey holds a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and a postgraduate diploma in event management and works as an educator at Drug-Free Sport New Zealand, educating athletes and support personnel.
With her passion for promoting fairness and safety in sports, Tracey is dedicated to making a difference for current and future athletes by contributing to a supportive and equitable sporting environment.
Member
Sport: Football
Toby Cunliffe-Steel, an elected AC member since 2023 and appointed chair in 2024, brings a wealth of experience, having participated in over ten sporting codes, including as a former New Zealand representative rower. Toby is the only New Zealand rower to have won a medal at a World University Games, winning silver in the Lightweight Single before narrowly missing Olympic qualification. Suffering from Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), his international career came to an end in 2018.
As a brain tumour survivor, his dedication extends beyond sports, volunteering for organisations like the New Zealand Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and as one of a handful of ambassadors for the Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw’s Charity, the iSport Foundation.
Leveraging his sporting and governance experiences, empowered by post-graduate qualifications, Toby is committed to improving sporting opportunities for future generations by improving the state of integrity in New Zealand.
Member
Elected to the AC in 2024, Nikki Hamblin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from on and off the track as a former New Zealand representative middle-distance runner. Nikki competed at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, winning the silver medal in the 800m and 1500m at Delhi 2010, and is a recipient of the prestigious Fair Play Award. Nikki still holds the New Zealand Women’s 1500m record today.
Nikki has worked for various Integrity organisations, including iNADO and Drug Free Sport New Zealand, in roles focusing on communication, policy advising, and education. Nikki currently works in the Education Department of the International Testing Agency, and as an assessor for the World Academy of Sport. Her academic background includes a Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity, a Te Ara Reo Māori from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences.
Given her experiences, Nikki is committed to promoting athlete rights and advocating for fair and transparent sporting environments.
Member
Ruby Tew, elected to the AC in 2023, brings a wealth of experience as a former New Zealand representative rower and two-time Olympian. Her achievements include winning Olympic Silver in the Women's Eight at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 Oxford Cambridge Boat Race.
Ruby's passion for sports extends to entrepreneurship, as she co-founded and managed a catering company, Athlete Food Co. With an MBA from the University of Cambridge, Ruby combines her sporting experience with business acumen to contribute meaningfully to the DFSNZ AC.
Based internationally Ruby is placed to ensure that the DFSNZ AC is holding itself to worldwide standards. Ruby is committed to giving back to her community and fostering a positive sporting environment.
Member
Shea McAleese, an establishment member of the AC, brings a wealth of experience as a former New Zealand representative Field Hockey Player and Olympian.
With over 320 test matches and four Olympic appearances, Shea's commitment to sports excellence is evident. His dedication extends to coaching, as he now serves as the assistant coach for both the New Zealand Men's and Women's Field Hockey teams. Shea's academic achievements include earning Masters degrees in Sports Business Management and Sports Science, further enhancing his contributions to sports leadership and development.
With a focus on preventing negative anti-doping experiences and promoting integrity in sports, Shea is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for athletes.
Member
Adam Hall, an establishment member of the AC, embodies resilience and excellence in sports as a five-time Winter Paralympian and double Winter Paralympic Champion.
Living with Spina bifida, Adam has overcome barriers to become a prominent figure in Para Alpine Skiing. He's also actively involved in sports leadership, serving as the Chair of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation's Athlete focus group for Para Alpine Skiing and the NZ Snow Sports athlete leadership team. Beyond sports, Adam's contributions extend to advocacy, recognised by his appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to sport.
With his extensive experience and dedication, Adam aims to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in sports.
Member
Tracey Lambrechs, an establishment member of the AC, brings a wealth of sporting experience as a former New Zealand representative weightlifter and Olympian. Her achievements include competing in the 75kg+ division at the Rio 2016 Olympics and winning silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Tracey holds a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and a postgraduate diploma in event management and works as an educator at Drug-Free Sport New Zealand, educating athletes and support personnel.
With her passion for promoting fairness and safety in sports, Tracey is dedicated to making a difference for current and future athletes by contributing to a supportive and equitable sporting environment.
Member
Sport: Football