Ben Lucas, Geremy Tinker, Mark Inglis, Bill Oughton, Gary Williams, Jayne Parsons and William Stedman all received their official numbered Paralympic pin.

They also collected a certificate signed by International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons.

"It is an honour to be part of this historic occasion," said Jana Rangooni, chair of Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ).

"I’d like to thank ParaFed Canterbury for including the official acknowledgement of these seven amazing Paralympians in their Sports Awards tonight.

"They join 165 New Zealand Paralympians who have already received their official numbered pins.

"The Paralympians represent New Zealand Paralympic teams from across the many decades that New Zealand has competed at the Paralympic Games.

"It’s a beautiful celebration of New Zealand’s cultural and sporting heritage."

Tinker and Oughton competed in several Paralympic Games for New Zealand’s wheelchair rugby team and were part of the side that claimed gold at Athens 2004.

Inglis captured New Zealand’s first-ever Paralympic medal in cycling with silver at Sydney 2000.

He also became the first-ever double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2006.

Williams played boccia for New Zealand at Sydney 2000 before turning his efforts to advocating for disabled people.

Parsons made her Paralympic debut in tandem cycling at Beijing 2008 where she claimed bronze, while Stedman won track and field medals at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

As well as his numbered pin, Lucas received a PNZ Order of Merit pin in recognition for his outstanding service to Paralympic sport.

During his 10-year career, wheelchair racer Lucas claimed bronze at Victoria 2004 and was team captain and flagbearer at both Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.

He was also New Zealand’s Chef de Mission at Rio 2016.

"This is an incredibly special moment for me," said Lucas.

"Para sport has the power to transform New Zealand in wonderful ways, and I’ve seen so much positive change over the past twenty years.

"It’s a privilege to be part of this movement recognising my fellow Paralympians, those who were pioneers in this space and those who have proudly carried it on.

"I’m so glad I’ve been able to contribute in the way that I have."

Since debuting at Tel Aviv 1968, New Zealand has won a total of 232 Paralympic medals, competing in 14 summer and 11 winter editions.

At Tokyo 2020, New Zealand won six golds, three silvers and three bronzes.