Current grants for Olympians can be up to NZ$20,000 (£10,000/$13,000/€11,000).

Ardern has also announced a health insurance plan will be made available for all carded athletes, as recognition that "the hard work and sacrifice that comes with excellence is the same for all elite athletes".

"I'm delighted to announce that High Performance Sport New Zealand has confirmed parity of Government-funded performance enhancement grants for Paralympians and Olympians alike," Ardern said.

"It's only fair that Para-athletes will be rewarded for their outstanding achievements in an equitable way."

The news will see Paralympic and Olympic medallists supported equally through direct financial grants to enable them to train full-time.

Chief executive of Paralympics New Zealand Fiona Allan said the announcement is further proof of how Para-athletes are valued.

"Our Para-athletes are incredible role models that have inspired Kiwis to think differently about disability," she said.

At a recent gala dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of New Zealand's National Paralympic Committee, Ardern joined the country's most decordated Paralympian, swimmer Sophie Pascoe, and Paralympic cycling hopeful Nicole Murray as keynote speakers.

"I'm inspired by Paralympic New Zealand's vision of excellence and equity through sport," the Prime Minister said.

"You are part of a worldwide social change movement which uses the power of sport to promote a more diverse and inclusive society - an objective that is right in line with what this Government seeks to achieve."