Rowing coach praised as Kiwi medal haul amazes

Rowing coach Dick Tonks has received special praise in Parliament today, as MPs honoured the amazing performance of New Zealand's athletes at the Olympics.

Sports Minister Murray McCully says the medal haul made our country proud, and Mr Tonks played a huge part in that.

"Whose previous successes on the international stage are well-known, but whose success at the 2012 Olympics was simply remarkable."

Labour leader David Shearer backed his comments.

"We are proud of our athletes' spirit in which they compete, we thank them for the tremendous effort in London, but we also thank all those who stand beside them."

New Zealand's haul of 13 medals at the London Olympics is being labelled an immense success.

The six gold, two silver and five bronze medals represent the second best return for the country in Olympic history.

High Performance Sport New Zealand CEO Peter Miskimmin says the team has done exceptionally well.

He says backing up from Beijing with nine medals to 13 in London is a great achievement for a country that bats above its weight.

Mr Miskimmin says everyone involved from the athletes to the coaches and others behind the scenes should be proud of their achievement.

Photo: Dick Tonks (Photosport)