AMBASSADORS
Our Games Ambassadors play an important role from year to year, helping to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part and enjoy the New Zealand Masters Games experience to the fullest.
During Games Week, the Ambassadors will be out supporting and encouraging participants, presenting medals at the medal ceremonies, and you might even see them have a go at a sport or two!
Kees Meeuws
Former All Black and now a proud Dunedin local, Kees Meeuws is honoured to be named an Ambassador for the 2026 New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin, Otago.
“E Mihi ana ahau ki ngã tohu o nehe a konei I tãone e noho nei au”.
“The Masters Games are about more than sport, it’s about staying active, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and celebrating life through movement and competition. I’m humbled to be part of an event that unites people of all ages and backgrounds through camaraderie, community, and joy,” says Kees.
For Kees, the Games embody connection, energy, and living life to the fullest. With the motto Keep Playing / Kori Tonu, they remind us that sport is for everyone, at every stage of life. It’s where friendships thrive, memories are created, and the spirit of sport continues to inspire, no matter your age.
Kees’ rugby career saw him proudly represent Otago, Auckland, the Blues, the Highlanders, and the All Blacks. His professional journey also took him to France and Wales, playing for clubs including Castres, Agen and the Scarlets before returning home to Dunedin to play for Otago again and raise his family.
Since retiring from professional rugby, Kees has focused on family, business, and community, while keeping his love of sport alive through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Waka ama, charity rugby matches, and now golf. His career in real estate has also allowed him to stay deeply connected to the city he calls home.
“Rugby gave me and my family some of our greatest memories, but what I value most are the people I’ve met along the way. That’s why I’m excited to meet new faces and share in the spirit of the Masters Games. Sport has the power to bring people together, to challenge us, and to create lasting memories. The Masters Games prove that age is no barrier to being active, having fun, and celebrating achievement.
There’s a Māori proverb that says: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. That’s the essence of the Games, and why I can’t wait to share in the energy of 2026 and to live the motto, Keep Playing / Kori Tonu.”
Kate Ivey
Kate Ivey, founder and owner of Kate Ivey Fitness is delighted to be named as an Ambassador for the 2026 NZ Masters Games. Kate’s business, DediKate supports busy Kiwi women like herself to lead positive, healthy, fitness-filled lives.
Based on her family’s farm near Twizel in New Zealand’s South Island, Kate leads a team of trainers and health professionals dedicated to making fitness accessible, realistic, and enjoyable for busy women. Today, DediKate reaches thousands of women across New Zealand and Australia, empowering them to build strength, confidence, and long-term healthy habits.
Kate also enjoys sharing her stories and lessons learned on how to incorporate fitness into your lifestyle without sacrificing time for family, work, or other priorities. She says it’s important to recognise and overcome patterns that hold you back from achieving your goals and how small, consistent changes lead to big results in fitness, health, and personal growth.
With sport and exercise being a huge passion of Kate’s, her Games ambassador role is a perfect fit.
Kate is still an active participant in netball and basketball in Twizel and she “absolutely loves it!” In fact, Kate played representative netball for the Canterbury Flames Squad, Otago U21 and Rebels Development.
Kate has completed her Games registration so you’ll see her on the basketball court with her team. Having already achieved a gold medal for basketball at the 2024 Masters Games, Kate is aiming for another podium finish.
She encourages others to take part. “It’s going to be a week of great competition, camaraderie and, a lot of fun!”
The Games provides opportunities for the athletes on many levels says Kate. “Sport has been such an important tool for my mental health through motherhood. It connects people and communities. The longer we can keep adults in sport, the better!
“Masters Games is the perfect way for adults to do sports they love in a team environment with like-minded people – it’s competitive and fun!
“It’s also a great motivator to keep or get yourself fit and active – it’s easier to prioritise exercise if you’re working towards something. You’ll also get so much more out of the games if you’re fit!”
That was some important advice that Kate has offered up to the participants. “Start your fitness now, don’t leave it until the last minute.”
