Auckland, New Zealand — 21 May 2026 · ONOC Media

The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) XLVI Annual General Assembly concluded on Thursday evening with a Closing Gala Dinner hosted by ONOC President Baklai Temengil-Chilton at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland. The dinner brought together National Olympic Committee leaders, athletes, government officials and distinguished guests from across Oceania and the global Olympic movement to mark the close of an assembly week defined by one clear purpose: placing athletes firmly at the centre of everything.

The 2026 AGA reaffirmed that athlete-centred leadership is not an aspiration for Oceania's sporting movement but a commitment that must shape how the region governs, supports and advocates for its people — a principle that will continue to define sport across the Pacific for years to come.

New Zealand's Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Honourable Mark Mitchell, welcomed the Oceania Olympic family to Aotearoa on behalf of the New Zealand Government, reflecting on the power of sport in an increasingly divided world.

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“In an increasingly contested and uncertain world, sport remains one of the few forces that can bring people together across borders, cultures, politics, and languages. The Olympic movement reminds us that competition across borders should be accompanied by respect, friendship, and integrity.” — Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister for Sport and Recreation, New Zealand

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Minister Mitchell paid tribute to President Baklai on her historic election as the first woman to lead ONOC, and acknowledged Dr Robin Mitchell for his extraordinary service to the organisation and the IOC across the Pacific. He reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to working alongside Pacific partners on the road to Brisbane 2032, which the region has proudly claimed as its home Games.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry, making her first official visit to Oceania in her role, addressed guests with warmth and conviction. She reflected on the equal representation of women and men now seated at the main table, and called it a powerful message for female athletes and leaders everywhere.

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“I feel very proud to be sitting in the middle of two female presidents. You both allow for all of us to get stronger.” — Kirsty Coventry, President, IOC

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Drawing on a childhood moment with her daughter, President Coventry offered an image that resonated across the room — that everything is connected, strong and linked, but all one, and that this is what the movement is. She called on every leader present to protect athletes from the weight of a divided world and to build foundations strong enough for the next generation to stand on.

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ONOC President Baklai closed the evening with a message of gratitude and forward purpose.

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“I want to acknowledge NZOC with sincere thanks for hosting us here in Aotearoa. This week would not have been possible without your generosity, your warmth, and your commitment to the Oceania family. To everyone who joined us — our member NOCs, our athletes, our partners and friends — thank you. You are the reason this movement matters, and it is your energy and dedication that will carry us forward to LA28, to Brisbane 2032, and beyond.” — Baklai Temengil-Chilton, President, ONOC

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The 2026 ONOC XLVI Annual General Assembly brought together the full breadth of Oceania's sporting leadership across a week of workshops, forums and strategic sessions, with the athlete at the centre of every conversation.