Sports Minister on a factfinding mission to Games

WELLINGTON: Sports Minister Grant Robertson is heading to the Gold Coast this week for the Commonwealth Games 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 rights in 2026 or 2030.

‘‘There are some people who are asking is it New Zealand’s turn?’’ he said..

‘‘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 commit ting to us hosting it or even bidding for it.

‘‘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 the event was 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.

Mr Robertson said that one of the big commitments for any city hosting the Games was 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.

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

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 longterm 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.

Mr Robertson thought the country would follow the Commonwealth Games because the time difference with the coast was small and it was on freetoair television.

Speaking about New Zealand’s prospects at the Games, Mr Robertson said if New Zealand could win the men’s and women’s shot put titles with Tom Walsh and Valerie Adams ‘‘that would be pretty special’’.

If Eliza McCartney came through in the pole vault that would be a great success in track and field.

But the Commonwealth Games always tended to throw up surprises.

‘‘We’ll be looking out for cycling and hockey. I think the netball will be a bit of a challenge but hopefully they will do well.’’ — NZME

❛ It’s a big undertaking but it will be a good chance for me to see how it’s done

now

Grant Robertson