Liz Dawson was elected by members at the NZOC’s special general assembly in Auckland, replacing outgoing president Mike Stanley.
In a statement, the NZOC said Dawson brought "significant leadership and governance experience from across the public, private, and sports sectors from within New Zealand and offshore".
This year, Dawson delivered the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand as Chariwoman of the local organising committee.
"I’m honoured to be taking up this role and look forward to supporting the experienced New Zealand Olympic Committee board, management and staff as they create an environment which allows our athletes and teams to excel and make our country proud at both Olympic and Commonwealth Games,” Dawson was quoted as saying.
"The organisation has an incredible opportunity as we prepare for Paris 2024, ahead of a host of Games in and around our part of the world, culminating with the Brisbane Commonwealth Games in 2032."
Dawson has been a NZOC board member for 11 years and is the current deputy chairwoman. She chairs the NZOC integrity committee and is a member of the performance and remuneration committee.
Dawson has served on the gender equity committees of both the Association of National Olympic Committees and the Oceania National Olympic Committees within the wider Olympic movement. She was awarded an IOC Women in Sport diploma in 2021.
Dawson will take up the role from November 1.
Stanley was elected honorary NZOC president, a role created under the New Zealand Olympic Committee constitution in recognition of "exceptional service". The appointment has been made only once previously in NZOC history when Sir Eion Edgar was elected to the position in 2009.
An Olympian and world champion rower, Stanley has been NZOC president since 2009 and has served on the board since 2003.
Meanwhile, three long-time supporters of the NZOC — Barry Maister, Ranui Ngarimu and Simon Wickham — had their service recognised by being named NZOC Order holders at yesterday’s special assembly.
