The new broadcast deal builds on last year’s partnership and will include the Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

New Zealanders will benefit from free to air coverage across TVNZ’s on air and online channels and through AttitudeLive.com.

TVNZ and Attitude Pictures collaborated on coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, broadcasting to 2.2 million viewers.

“New Zealand loves watching our top athletes perform at the highest levels and offering live sport free to air gives everyone an opportunity to be part of the excitement," said TVNZ director of content, Cate Slater.

"We saw that in the way the public got behind last year’s Paralympic Games in Rio, which reached over half of all New Zealanders.

"We’re looking forward to extending our close relationship with Attitude Pictures and Paralympics New Zealand over the next three years as we showcase the major events on the Para-sport calendar.”

Coverage will be co-produced by TVNZ and Attitude Pictures with the assistance of Paralympics New Zealand.

The partners’ commitment to diversity will be reflected in the "make-up of the production team" with many of the presenters and those working behind the scenes living with disability.

"Kiwis fell in love with our Paralympians and showed an outpouring of support during the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games," added Paralympics New Zealand chief executive, Fiona Allan.

"As a result, Para-sport was elevated in the hearts and minds of communities across the country. 

"We wish to thank TVNZ and Attitude Pictures for their unrelenting commitment to showcasing the achievements of our elite Paralympians and Para athletes and we could not be more thrilled to give our support to the broadcast team that will continue to be bring free to air coverage of Para-sport to New Zealanders.”