Commonwealth Games shake-up as NZ considered to host in 2030

New Zealand is ‘well-placed’ to host the Commonwealth Games as early as 2030, according to the vice president to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) board.

A large shake-up of the Games’ structure was announced this morning, as the multi-sport event battles for relevance in a changing sporting landscape and struggles to find a host for 2026.

Athletics and swimming are to be made the only compulsory codes, while future hosts can pick and choose other disciplines to make up around 15 sports in total.

That’s down from the 19 codes at the Birmingham 2022 Games that start in July, and there’s concern some traditional sports could luck out.

South Africa’s Durban was supposed to take centre stage next year but was replaced by Birmingham due to financial problems

“Hosting games is a big undertaking, it’s costly and countries and cities want benefits,” CGF vice president Kereyn Smith told 1News.

In future, entirely new sports can also be introduced, that might be relevant to the organisers.

The introduction of skateboarding and surfing at Tokyo 2020 was widely seen as an attempt to engage a younger audience.

Kereyn Smith, who is also the outgoing chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, says the changes bode well for Aotearoa.

“These changes will very much suit New Zealand, the conversations we've had over some time now with government was seeking more flexibility in the hosting arrangements,” she said.

Entire nations can now host the Commonwealth Games across several cities, in a move that aligns to changes at the Olympics.

Countries can even co-host, allowing for a potential trans-Tasman bid.

“I think New Zealand is incredibly well-placed to look at the Commonwealth Games now it can be tailored to events that really suit our country and region.”

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland last played host in 1990, after Ōtautahi Christchurch in 1974.

The CGF also said there would be no requirement for an athletes’ village and alternative arrangements could help save costs.

A host for 2026 is likely to be announced before the Birmingham Games.