Lisa Carrington
Themes: Lifestyle & Wellbeing, Motivation, Sports
Role: Speaker
Dame Lisa Carrington is a world champion kayaker and New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian of all time, with nine Olympic medals — eight gold and one bronze — won across four consecutive Olympic Games.
Raised in Tauranga and Ōhope Beach, and of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāti Porou descent, Lisa’s journey is shaped not only by high performance but by strong connection to culture, community and environment. Alongside her Olympic success, she has won 15 World Championship gold medals and secured nine successive K1 200m world titles, contributing to a total career medal tally of 22.
In recognition of her contribution to canoe racing, Lisa was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022. She has received multiple Halberg Awards, including four Sportswoman of the Year titles, the Halberg Supreme Award, Sportswoman of the Decade in 2021, and recognition as the most influential Māori Sports Personality of the past 30 years.
Beyond competition, Lisa is committed to education and growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Māori Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and is currently completing a Masters in Psychology. In 2024, she became a published author with the release of her debut children’s book, Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion / Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka, inspired by her eight-year-old self and written to encourage young readers to overcome challenges.
On stage, Lisa is calm, considered and quietly powerful. She speaks with humility about excellence, discipline and long-term commitment, offering insight into what sustained performance truly requires. Grounded in her values and driven by purpose, she connects with audiences through authenticity rather than ego — sharing lessons that resonate well beyond sport.
