'AOTEAROA
PARALYMPIANS
ARE 10X MORE
SUCCESSFUL THAN
OUR OLYMPIC ATHLETES'
Since the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, 1,631 athletes have represented Aotearoa, New Zealand, at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, consistently punching above their weight to claim 163 medals—65 of them gold.
New Zealanders take immense pride in celebrating our sporting heroes, uniting as a nation to honour their achievements.
Yet, many may not realise that our Paralympians surpass our Olympic athletes by an extraordinary 10:1 ratio in medal wins.
Since making our Paralympic debut in Tel Aviv in 1968, just 392 Kiwi Para-athletes have competed on this world stage—yet they have brought home a staggering 245 medals, including 98 gold, cementing New Zealand’s legacy as a powerhouse in Paralympic sport.
JUST FACTS
LOGLINE
TEN TIMES GREATER follows the inspiring journey of Bailley Unahi, a determined sit-skier poised for the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy - while also shining a light on New Zealand's extraordinary yet underacknowledged Paralympic legacy.
Through powerful storytelling, this documentary challenges perceptions of disability, celebrates perseverance, and reveals the untold triumphs of athletes who continue to defy the odds
WHO IS BAILLEY
UNAHI
Bailley Unahi is a proud descendant of Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, and Ngā Rauru, born and raised in Winton, Te Waipounamu.
In March 2016, at just 19 years old, she sustained a life-changing spinal injury when a balcony collapsed at a concert in Dunedin, leaving her paraplegic.
Since 2020, Bailley has been training with New Zealand’s Para Alpine Development Squad, demonstrating unwavering resilience and determination in her pursuit of becoming the country’s first female sit-ski Paralympian. She is part of a growing movement of athletes using their experiences to inspire others, particularly in adaptive sports.
If selected for the 2026 Paralympic Games, Bailley will make history as the first female Winter Paralympian from New Zealand in over 20 years—a milestone that underscores the significance of her journey and the impact of her achievements.
Bailley was 19 years old when she sustained spinal injuries in a balcony collapse at a concert in Dunedin in March 2016, becoming a paraplegic.
Bailley has been training with the Para Alpine Development Squad in NZ since 2020 and despite the challenges, Bailley has shown resilience and determination in her pursuit of becoming NZ's first female sit-ski Paralympian.
She represents a growing group of athletes who use their experiences to inspire others, particularly within the world of adaptive sports.
Bailley was 19 years old when she sustained spinal injuries in a balcony collapse at a concert in Dunedin in March 2016, becoming a paraplegic.
Bailley has been training with the Para Alpine Development Squad in NZ since 2020 and despite the challenges, Bailley has shown resilience and determination in her pursuit of becoming a Paralympian.
She represents a growing group of athletes who use their experiences to inspire others, particularly within the world of adaptive sports.
Aotearoa proudly celebrates its sporting heroes, yet the remarkable achievements of its Paralympians often go unrecognised.
Ten Times Greater follows the inspiring journey of a young Māori woman, Bailley Unahi, a determined sit-skier aiming for the 2026 Winter Paralympics. After a life-altering accident, Bailley has transformed adversity into strength, pushing toward history as New Zealand’s first female sit-skier to compete at a Winter Paralympics.
As Bailley navigates the intense physical and mental demands of elite competition, the film also uncovers New Zealand’s overlooked Paralympic legacy—where its Para-athletes have outperformed Olympians by a staggering 10:1 ratio in medal wins.
Through powerful interviews with athletes, coaches, and key figures, Ten Times Greater shines a long-overdue spotlight on the success, struggles, and resilience of New Zealand’s Paralympians.
SYNOPSIS
"This documentary challenges perceptions of disability, celebrates perseverance, and highlights the power of the human spirit."
Director - Ben Wallbank
SUPPORTING
VOICES
Through a series of interviews with key figures—athletes, coaches, and advocates—we will uncover the untold stories behind New Zealand's Paralympic success and its broader significance. Below is a sample list of planned interviews:
-
Nic Cavanagh - CEO of Snow Sports New Zealand
-
Kasey Wilson - Paralympics New Zealand, Education Lead
-
Daniel Bogue - Lead Alpine Para Coach
-
Dame Sophie Pascoe - 19x Paralympic medalist
-
Craig Philip - Member of New Zealands first ever Paralympic team
-
Corey Peters - New Zealand Paralympic Sit-Ski Gold medalist
-
Adam Hall - Para athlete of the year at the 2019 Halberg Awards
-
Jane Stevens - NZ Para High Performance Manager
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Tech Specs
Aspect:
Native: 2.39:1
Available in: 1.78:1 (letterboxed)
Frame Rate: 24fps
Frame Structure: Progressive
Colourimetry: ITU-R BT.709
Cameras: RED Digital Cinema / GoPro
Sound: Stereo, 48kHz, 24-bit
Draft Schedule
Oct 2024 – Pre Production + fundraising begins
March 2025 – Principle Photography Begins
March 2026 – 2026 Paralympics in Italy
May 2026 – Post Production Begins
Jul 2026 – Target Release
SUPPORT THIS PROJECT
We are currently in pre-production and the early stages of production for this powerful project, and we are actively seeking financial support to bring it to reality.
We welcome interest from potential Executive Producers, Brand Sponsors, and funding partners who share our vision.
If you're interested in being part of this project, we’d love to chat about how you can get involved, please get in touch.
Producer: Erin Murdie +64 21 758 263 // erin@bunkerstreet.co.nz
Director / co-Producer: Ben hello@benwallbank.com
Ten Times Grater is a co production between Ben Wallbank Films and Bunker Street Film Co.
© 2024 Ten Times Greater - All rights reserved