Jason Newport

Jason Gavin Newport (5 January 1973 – 12 April 2026) was a New Zealand paintball player, tournament organiser and referee associated with competitive paintball in New Zealand, Australia and Asia. His involvement in the sport spanned approximately two decades and included participation in Team Kiwi, administration of the New Zealand Paintball Players League (NZPPL), and work arranging international referee training and officiating support.[1][2][3]

Newport died on 12 April 2026, aged 53.[4]

Paintball career

New Zealand tournament paintball

Newport participated in New Zealand tournament paintball during the 2000s and 2010s.

He played for several New Zealand teams during his career and was involved in domestic and international tournament competition.

A complete record of his team memberships and tournament results has not yet been established.

Team Kiwi (2005)

In 2005, Newport travelled to Malaysia as a member of Team Kiwi, a New Zealand team assembled for international competition.

The team competed at the Asia Pacific Paintball Championship, which began on 30 September 2005 at Xtion Paintball in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

The reported lineup included Newport, Peter Mumby, Gavin Mumby and Michael Earley.[1]

The team's final placing has not been confirmed.

Later Team Kiwi activity

Newport was also associated with a later group using the Team Kiwi name during the early 2010s.

This activity was linked to the period when the New Zealand Paintball Players League held competitions at Lock N Load Paintball in Auckland.

Possible participation in Australian tournaments has been reported, although specific event records remain unverified.[1]

Tournament organisation and refereeing

New Zealand Paintball Players League

Newport was involved in running the New Zealand Paintball Players League (NZPPL), which organised competitive tournament paintball in New Zealand during the early 2010s.[2][3]

The league operated national competitions during 2013 and 2014, including events in Auckland and Wellington.

Newport also helped arrange international refereeing support for New Zealand tournaments.

Refs Inc.

Newport worked with Refs Inc., an international paintball refereeing organisation.

In a memorial statement following his death, Refs Inc. credited Newport with arranging for its referees to travel to New Zealand to provide training and officiating services for the NZPPL and New Zealand Paintball Nationals.[3]

The organisation also confirmed that Newport assisted with refereeing at the Australian Super 7s.

These activities document his involvement in tournament officiating and the development of refereeing standards across New Zealand and Australia.

Death

Newport died on 12 April 2026, aged 53. His full name and dates of birth and death are recorded in a will notice published by the New Zealand Law Society in April 2026.[4]

Following his death, Refs Inc. published a memorial acknowledging his contribution to tournament paintball in New Zealand and Australia, particularly his work arranging referee training and officiating support.[3]

References