After remedial work, Kiwi team moves in

RIO DE JANEIRO: New Zealand’s Olympic team said they were satisfied with their accommodation for the Rio de Janeiro Games on Sunday, despite their trans-tasman Sea neighbours Australia refusing to move in.

The Australian Olympic team have declined to take up their apartments in the village with Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller saying the accommodation was “not safe or ready”. The Italian team also said some areas of the village were not ready and that they had been forced to hire workmen to carry out emergency repairs.

The New Zealand Chef de Mission Rob Waddell said, however, he was happy with the accommodation, even if they had to work with organisers to get it up to standard. Waddell and his 10-strong advance party arrived in Rio last week and also found plumbing and electrical issues, but managed to fix them in time.

“We were disappointed the village wasn’t as ready when we arrived and it hasn’t been easy,” the Sydney Olympics rowing champion said. “Our team has had to get stuck in to get the job done. We’re pleased to say that thanks to the New Zealand team’s planning, strong relationships and a bit of hard work we’re ready for the first The newly-built Village, more than 3,600 apartments, will host more than 18,000 athletes, officials, staff and volunteers in 31 buildings and over the August 5-21 Olympics and September 7-18 Paralympics.