The strategy is in line with the Commonwealth Games Federation's (CGF) adoption of a fresh hosting model that enables more adaptable and creative Games.
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According to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), New Zealand has expressed interest in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2034. Nicki Nicol, the CEO of NZOC, stated that this move was an “exciting opportunity for New Zealand and our sports community”. In the past, the nation has thrice hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1950 and 1990 in Auckland, and once in 1974 in Christchurch. Grant Robertson, the Minister for Sport, acknowledged the government’s support for the plan. He added that New Zealand had a “proud record of hosting world-class international events like Cricket World Cups, Rugby World Cups, World Masters Games, mega sailing regattas and this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup”.
Robertson noted that more study is needed to evaluate New Zealand’s situation before a formal application for the 2034 Games can be considered. This involves the NZOC evaluating the bid’s support and the nation’s capabilities to host the event. The strategy is in line with the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) adoption of a fresh hosting model that enables more adaptable and creative Games. The sports programming for a prospective New Zealand Games would be customized to local interests, with competition taking place across numerous towns and regions under the new concept.
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According to Nicol, the NZOC aspires to create a set of Games that will promote sport among diverse and youthful populations and contribute to achieving national objectives. Athletes and Para athletes from New Zealand would have the chance to compete in front of friends and whanau (family) and motivate New Zealanders during the Games. The CGF requested official interest declarations from nations considering hosting the 2030 or 2034 Commonwealth Games. The NZOC has entered a non-binding phase of informal dialogue. It will now try to work with the CGF and New Zealand Government agencies to further evaluate how a future Games can add significant value to the future of Aotearoa, like supporting national goals for community development, well-being, and economic and infrastructure development.
The NZOC also acknowledges that negotiations are in their preliminary stages and that a lengthy procedure must be followed before an offer can be officially accepted. It will be necessary to evaluate the nation’s capacity to host the event and the viability of the bid. The NZOC acknowledged the New Zealand Government’s initial assistance. The plan has received the enthusiastic support of the acting chief executive of Paralympics New Zealand, Duane Kale. Kale said that a New Zealand Commonwealth Games would be “momentous for New Zealand and our Para athletes.” He added that the regional hosting model means all of Aotearoa could get involved – including the 24% of New Zealanders with a disability.
Australia’s Victoria will play host to the next Commonwealth Games in 2026. Alberta in Canada is anticipated to make a formal application to the CGF later this year after Hamilton’s proposal to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games was put on hold due to a lack of government backing. A joint announcement on the 2030 and 2034 hosts could be made in 2023, according to CGF chief executive Katie Sadleir. This was hinted at during the successful Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.
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