Sir John Walker competing in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand has taken a tentative step in bidding to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has advised the Commonwealth Games Federation it is interested in hosting the games following the implementation of a new hosting model which allows for more flexible and innovative games.
Under the new model a potential New Zealand Games would see the sports programme tailored to local interests, with competition to take place across multiple cities and regions.
New Zealand last hosted the Commonwealth Games in Auckland in 1990 and twice prior to that - Christchurch in 1974 and in 1950 in Auckland.
"We want to be very clear this concept is about a nation not a city, and we'd be looking to develop a games that would help achieve nation-wide goals and engage young and diverse communities in sport," NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol said.
NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol. Photo: Photosport
"This is an opportunity for us to put forth all of New Zealand," Nicol told Checkpoint.
Nicol said being able to have events all around Aotearoa would be able to utilise existing infrastructure more.
She ruled out also having events in Australia too.
"I think Australia have probably had their turn. It's time for us to have our turn."
The year 2034 is more than a decade off, but the process requires early engagement. New Zealand wasn't interested in bidding for 2030 after Australia is set to host in 2026.
"When you think about the process they really want to make sure people have got time to be really innovative and creative and so that's why that's going to take a bit of time for us and we want to make sure we've got the right model that meets social, economic and cultural outcomes for New Zealand as well."
Nicol said she believes New Zealand is up to the organising and financial challenge.
Nichol said the NZOC will now look to partner with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and New Zealand government agencies to further assess how a future Games can add value to the future of Aotearoa, including supporting national goals for economic and infrastructure development, wellbeing, community development, and promoting and celebrating our unique culture.
With the focus on 2030 as a priority for the CGF, New Zealand has a significant runway to allow time to create an innovative and bold proposal for a potential 2034 bid, including undertaking a formal feasibility study.
Sports Minister Grant Robertson said "last year's Commonwealth Games really highlighted for me how important the event is for our sportspeople to get a chance to compete at a multi-discipline international event, outside of the Olympics... it was a fantastic event both in Birmingham but also for people back here watching and supporting our team".
"Further work needs to be done to understand New Zealand's position before considering whether to make a formal bid."
Robertson said he has cross-party support for the initial approach.
-RNZ
