MP to check out how to host Commonwealth Games

The Opening Ceremony for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park. Photo: Getty Images
The Opening Ceremony for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park. Photo: Getty Images
Sports Minister Grant Robertson is heading to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games this week where he will check out what it takes to hold a Games.

But he is making no commitment for New Zealand to host or even bid to host for the next unallocated hosting rights in 2026 or 2030.

"There are some people who are asking is it New Zealand's turn?" he told the Herald.

"I'm certainly not committing to that but one of the things I want to do when I go to the Gold Coast is get a look at how a Games works and what the commitment is to doing it.

"But I'm certainly not committing to us hosting it or even bidding for it.

Grant Robertson
Grant Robertson
"It's a big undertaking but it will be a good chance for me to see how it's done now."

The 2022 games will be held in Birmingham, England, which was awarded hosting rights in December after they were taken off Durban in South Africa a year ago because of a funding shortfall.

Auckland last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and there were some suggestions, after Durban was dumped, that Auckland should put up its hand again.

Robertson said that one of the big commitments for any city hosting the Games is the obligation to provide a Games Village. For events such as Apec, which New Zealand is hosting in 2020, hotels or cruise ships are acceptable accommodation.

Robertson will arrive on the Gold Coast for the opening ceremony on Wednesday but will miss a summit of Commonwealth sports ministers on Tuesday.

New Zealand will be represented at it by the head of Sport NZ, Peter McSkimming.

"One of the big issues for the Games is what is the long-term sustainable format. Where does it go in the future?"

He was also keen to pursue one of his priorities as Sports Minister, increasing the participation of women in sport.

Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran will be attending the Games this week as well because TVNZ is a host broadcaster.

Robertson thought the country would follow the Commonwealth Games because the time difference with the coast was small and it was on free-to-air television.

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