Our Team

Paul Barclay; Chair Person

Paul Barclay joined the Board of Achilles New Zealand in April 2024. He is a disabled athlete being totally blind from a car accident and has been running with Achilles New Zealand since 2018. Paul previously represented New Zealand at both Blind Cricket and Goalball and now runs marathons and half marathons with Achilles New Zealand.

Paul runs his own business (Vision Without Limits), which provides a mix of disability employment support, accessibility awareness / advocacy and supervision / coaching. He is heavily involved in the disability community with membership of a number of disability-related advisory groups in Christchurch and across the South Island.

Paul has previously held Senior level management positions in Blind Foundation and Arthritis New Zealand. He currently holds other Board positions with Workbridge Employment Services Limited, Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust and Pegasus Health Charitable Limited. Paul is a Professional Member of the Career Development Association of New Zealand and is a Member of the Institute of Directors.

Dr Tim Antric; Deputy Chair Person

Tim leads advertising, marketing and behaviour change agency, Hemisphere. He has more than 30 years of experience in communications, engagement, marketing, and advertising. His work spans across government, community, and digital engagements in the UK and Aotearoa, addressing diverse issues from health to sustainable transport.

Committed to equity, Tim has been involved in projects focused on social change, including tackling homophobia, accessibility issues, and promoting Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. He works regularly with a wide range of non-profits, government agencies and commercial partners.

Tim's qualifications include community and youth work, te reo Māori, and social enterprise. He holds a PhD in social marketing from the University of Waikato and has published in leading journals. Currently, he is Kaiarataki (leader) at Hemisphere, Hautū Takirua at Te Huihui o Te Kakau, and a member of the management committee of the Australian Association of Social Marketing.

Luke Bailey; Treasurer

After participation in a corporate running event in 2018, Luke discovered a love of running which has grown with time and training. This has opened doors in his life and offered opportunities and relationships which have been deeply enriching.

As a chartered accountant for a not-for-profit organization, Luke brings experience in finance and the charity sector. He is excited to use his experience and skills to build Achilles in New Zealand and bring the joy of running to a wider community.

Olly Walker-Boden; Board Member

Olly is the Managing Director of Federation, a leading marketing agency based in Auckland. With extensive experience in strategic leadership and a passion for innovation, he leads a team that delivers creative solutions driving results for local and international clients.

Olly is also a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, where he contributes to corporate governance and leadership practices.

Originally from the UK, Olly has called New Zealand home since 2016. A passionate road and trail runner, he’s competed in marathons and ultramarathons around the world. For Olly, it’s not just about the race - it’s about embracing the journey, the community, recharging in nature, and finding time for reflection.

Olly’s involvement with Achilles NZ started with a chance encounter while running alongside an athlete and their guide. The dedication, the sense of community, and the energy they shared left a lasting impression, and he knew right away he wanted to be part of it. He joined the Achilles NZ Board in 2023 and finds true inspiration in helping create opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the thrill of competition.

Paul Scoringe; Board Member

Paul graduated in Economics and Marketing from Auckland University, then embarked on industrial marketing roles with multinational brands 3M and Marley, before heading to Regent College Graduate School, at the University of British Columbia, where he realised, he could have a professional marketing career in sport. What followed was four-year stints at New Zealand Rugby leading the adidas AG partnership globally and at adidas AG in Germany leading their licensed football and rugby apparel category, including teams like Liverpool FC, Real Madrid FC, Chelsea FC, Bayern Munich and major national federations including France and Germany.

Returning to NZ, with senior commercial and marketing roles in not-for-profits like Red Cross and the Heart Foundation, as well as key sports, athletics and hockey, Paul is now Marketing and Engagement Director at World Vision. 

With a young special needs son, Paul joined the joined the Achilles NZ Board to lend support at a governance level to promote opportunities for people with disabilities to fulfil their dreams, be active and healthy and inspire New Zealanders.

Deb Sheard; Board Member

Deb is a key leader of the Achilles Manawatū chapter, where she has been a vital part of the team since its inception. Her involvement began when she brought a friend to the first training session, and since then, her dedication and support have been unwavering, whether at weekly trainings, events, or behind the scenes.

Deb’s qualities of kindness, organization, and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable asset to Achilles Manawatū. Known for her strong leadership skills and her ability to bring people together, she consistently ensures that the chapter’s activities run smoothly. Deb is also the go-to person for group selfies (!), always adding a positive and personal touch to every event.

In addition to her leadership in Manawatū, Deb expanded her commitment to the broader Achilles NZ community by joining the Board in 2024. This role allows her to contribute her expertise and passion on a national level, further enhancing the impact of Achilles NZ’s mission.

Deb's dedication to the Achilles community and her exceptional support of athletes embody the core values of the organization. The Achilles Manawatū chapter is fortunate to have her as a leader, and her continued contributions are a testament to her commitment to the mission of Achilles NZ.

Lee Warn; Board Member

Lee has been in a wheelchair for over 35 years, since a motorbike accident in 1990. After a few years of convalescence he started to be involved in sport. Managing to represent Auckland domestically, and representing NZ internationally in wheelchair racing & 10m air rifle shooting.

A Multi-sport athlete, Lee has been rockclimbing, sky-diving, scuba diving, ultra-marathons, and demolition derbies plus others. Being involved in these activities opens the doors to other disabled persons, as well as normalising disabled people being invovled in these activities.

He has travelled to several countries for fun events, most recently in the process of being the first NZ wheelchair athlete to  complete the Abbotts six stars. In conjunction also the worlds first to complete the Abbotts six stars in costume.

He has a passion for encouraging others to be involved in sport, and through laughter, breaking down the barriers resulting in better inclusion.

Lee is excited to join the Achilles NZ Board and bring an athlete voice to the Board. 

David Thompson; North Island Board Observer

David is a dedicated guide with the Achilles Waikato chapter, renowned for his exeptional support to athletes with disabilities. His dedication shines through most in his work guiding TeHuia Apaapa in preparation for the March 2024 Ironman.

Over 22 months, David crafted a detailed training plan and met regularly with TeHuia. Despite facing his own health challenges, including a diagnosis of slow-growing lymphoma, David’s support never faltered.

On race day, after 13 hours of swimming, cycling, and running, David selflessly allowed TeHuia 'Rocketman' Apaapa to cross the finish line first, exemplifying his belief that the athlete’s journey takes precedence.

David’s leadership, dedication, and selflessness make him a natural fit for the Achilles NZ Board. His continued contributions to Achilles NZ strengthen the organization’s mission to support athletes with disabilities.

Natasha Cubis; South Island Board Observer

With 18+ years of progressive leadership across land and planning, utilities, energy, and local government, Natasha is a strategic leader specialising in people, process, and technology transformation. She brings expertise in driving organisational change through innovative leadership development, talent management, and cultural evolution, consistently enabling businesses to build robust individual and organisational capabilities.

As a Change Management leader, she has guided complex transitions, redesigning workflows, leveraging technology for improving customer experiences and organisational productivity and scalability. Her approach surpasses traditional process optimisation, creating strategies that align cultural shifts with business goals and employee engagement.

An advocate for women in technology, Natasha actively champions gender diversity through her leadership and support for TechWomen and the Women Leaders Institute. Initial involvement with Achilles as a guide runner, she is excited to be able to utilise her professional skills to further support Achilles in a meaningful way.

Her professional credentials include certifications in Cyber Security, PRINCE2®, AI, and as a Prosci® Change Practitioner along with qualifications in Business and Management. As a member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand, she brings strategic leadership and governance knowledge.

Maia Lewis; National Manager

With a strong background in mainstream and disability education and sports, Maia has significantly contributed to the community through her five years at the Halberg Foundation and her roles on the Blind Sport NZ Board and as coach of the NZ Blind Caps.

An accomplished athlete, Maia captained the Whiteferns and coached the first Māori Women’s Cricket Team, and she still serves as a ground announcer for the Whiteferns.

Maia's Achilles NZ role focuses on strategic initiatives while direct member contact remains with Chapter leads. Her passion for inclusivity in sports and physical activities is vital in growing the Achilles NZ network and delivering the Board's strategic direction.

Thomas Coysh; Events & Project Coordinator

With over seven years of experience in the non-profit sector, Thomas has develoed a strong passion for both fundraising and community work. His previous experience includes working with Blind Sport NZ. Thomas is a strong advocate for equitable sports, believing that everyone should have the opportunity to participate, regardless of age or ability. 

Thomas and his sister starting running with Achilles in 2015 as his vision deteriorated throughout highschool, and since then, he has fully embraced adaptive sports. He has participated in a vision-impaired outward bound course, returned to become the first blind peson to complete the 21-day classic course, sailed across the Atlantic on a wooden tall ship and is now training to become an alpine ski racer.

Thomas is responsible for planning and executing Achilles NZ member events, while also leading Achilles NZsponsorship initiatives.

Luke Scott; Communications and Marketing Co-ordinator

Luke Scott is a 23-year-old runner based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Currently pursuing a Communications degree through Massey University via distance learning, he also works part-time at Toyota New Zealand.

His connection to Achilles began through his mum, who has been a guide for two years and is involved with the Manawatū chapter.

A passionate runner, Luke holds the fastest recorded Parkrun time in New Zealand—an achievement he considers unforgettable.

He thrives on pushing his limits and embraces the Achilles mission of inspiring guides, athletes, and volunteers to take on challenges and achieve their goals.