What does it take to keep New Zealand's elite athletes performing on the world's biggest stage?
Join Professor Duncan Reid for a fascinating Learning Lunch as he shares stories from more than three decades working with New Zealand's Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams, High Performance Sport New Zealand, and some of the country's leading athletes and sporting organisations.
Drawing on a remarkable career that has taken him from the treatment rooms of major international sporting events to the sidelines of elite competition, Duncan offers a rare glimpse into the triumphs, setbacks, teamwork, and split-second decisions that unfold long before athletes step onto the podium. Along the way, he'll reflect on the people he's met, the lessons he's learned, and the qualities that underpin success - not just in elite sport, but in life.
A lifelong sportsperson himself, Duncan brings together professional insight with personal experience to deliver a conversation filled with fascinating stories, humour, and practical wisdom.
Whether you're passionate about sport, curious about what happens behind the scenes of high-performance competition, or simply enjoy hearing remarkable stories from extraordinary careers, this promises to be an engaging and memorable afternoon.
As always, your ticket includes a delicious lunch, the opportunity to ask questions, and plenty of time to connect with fellow lifelong learners around the table.
Date:
This Learning Lunch is on Tuesday 13th October from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm and includes lunch.
Venue:
We're delighted to be hosting this Learning Lunch at Longroom in the heart of Grey Lynn. Known for its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy great conversation, connect with others and continue learning over lunch.
About the expert
Professor Duncan Reid
Professor Duncan Reid is one of New Zealand's leading experts in sports medicine, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and injury prevention. He is Professor of Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where he combines teaching and research with ongoing clinical and advisory roles supporting elite sport and rehabilitation. His research focuses on musculoskeletal health, sports injuries, rehabilitation, and helping people remain active throughout life.
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Duncan has worked with some of New Zealand's highest-performing athletes and sporting organisations. He served on the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Medical Teams from the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games through to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, including as Chief Physiotherapist for multiple Games. He has also worked closely with Rowing New Zealand since 1988 and continues to support High Performance Sport New Zealand through research and professional development.
A respected researcher and educator, Duncan has published extensively in sports medicine and physiotherapy and is passionate about translating the latest evidence into practical advice that helps people move well, recover from injury, and enjoy healthier, more active lives. Outside of work, he is an accomplished surf lifesaver and Masters athlete, having won World, Australian, and New Zealand Masters Surf Boat Racing titles, and remains an enthusiastic cyclist, swimmer, and golfer.
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