A further 18 New Zealand Paralympians have been recognised for their achievements ©PNZ

A further 18 New Zealand Paralympians have been recognised for their achievements during the latest event held as part of Paralympics New Zealand's Celebration Project.

The 18 athletes attended a ceremony at Government House in Wellington, the ninth Celebration Project event.

A total of 103 Paralympians from the country have now received their official numbered Paralympic pin and certificate.

The latest batch of athletes to be recognised as part of the project included Neroli Fairhal, who competed in athletics and archery at her first two Paralympic Games in Heidelberg in 1972 and in Arnhem in 1980.

Fairhal won gold in archery at the 1980 Paralympics, before becoming the first Para-athlete to also compete at the Olympic Games when she took part at Los Angeles 1984.

"As patron of Paralympics New Zealand, it is an honour to welcome 18 Paralympians and their supporters to Government House as part of the Celebration Project," New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy said.

"Their achievements on the world’s sporting stage have showcased the possibilities of the human spirit, and their success is something we can all be truly proud of."

Since debuting at Tel Aviv in 1968, New Zealand have won a total of 221 Paralympic medals.

A total of 209 athletes have represented the country at the Games.

New Zealand has competed at 13 Summer Paralympic Games and 11 Winter Paralympics, sitting 13th in the all-time medals table for the Winter Games.