The Glasgow Commonwealth Games get under way later tomorrow with New Zealand's team of 114 athletes appearing at an event that was almost abandoned.
The scaled-down Games will be held across 11 days, after Australia's state of Victoria surrendered hosting rights three years ago, throwing the future of the event into doubt.
Glasgow stepped in less than two years ago to rescue the competition, adopting a leaner model that organisers hope will provide a blueprint for future hosts.
"When we heard Glasgow was picking it up, we know they do big events well," New Zealand Chef de Mission Nigel Avery said. "They're no stranger to hosting these things. They've been pragmatic, they're going to do a great job and the Brits love their sport, so it's going to be packed out."
More than 3000 athletes from 70 nations and territories will compete in Glasgow, with competitors housed in hotels instead of a traditional athletes' village. Events will be staged across four main venues within a 12km radius of the city centre.
While Victoria had planned to host more than 20 sports, Glasgow's Games will feature just 10. Squash and hockey are among the sports missing from the programme.
Organisers say the streamlined approach has dramatically reduced costs. The Games are being delivered with around 70% less funding than the previous three editions, relying largely on existing facilities.
A refurbished swimming pool and a new track at Scotstoun Stadium are the only additions since the 2014 Games.
"We focused on using existing facilities and new formats," Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty said. "We hope the next host in 2030 takes lessons from this and sees it as a more appealing model."
Despite the smaller scale, New Zealand is expected to be among the leading medal contenders. Cycling, swimming and athletics are tipped to produce many of the country's standout performances, while there will also be strong interest in the Silver Ferns as Dame Noeline Taurua returns to international coaching after being stood down last year.
There will be a few changes for athletes and spectators alike. The opening ceremony will be held indoors, while lawn bowls will also move inside for the first time in Commonwealth Games history.
New Zealand's squad ranges in age from 18 to 67, highlighting the breadth of talent heading to Scotland. However, only 37% of the team receives government funding, meaning the majority of athletes continue to balance elite sport with work, study and other commitments.
Avery said that reality made the Games even more important.
"These events inspire the next generation of competitors, so it's important that it carries on," he said.
And while the event may be smaller than previous editions, Avery believes the spirit of the Commonwealth Games remains unchanged.
"People who love the Games are still going to have a good time and be entertained watching our athletes," he said. "That's not going to change."
As New Zealand chases another successful campaign after its record haul of 20 gold medals in Birmingham four years ago, Glasgow is ready to provide the stage for the country's latest Commonwealth Games story.
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