KEY POINTS:
The Government is considering if Auckland should launch a bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
A study into whether Auckland could host such an event has been commissioned at the former Labour Government's request, believed to cost up to $750,000.
Auckland last held the Games in
1990.
The election of a new National Government has put the brakes on the feasibility report, as taxpayers are expected to pay the "lion's share" of the study.
At a secret meeting last week, the Auckland City Council approved a financial contribution in the tens of thousands, according to a council source.
The seven other local Auckland councils - as well as the Auckland Regional Council - were also considering "putting a few bob in the tin", Auckland Mayor John Banks said.
"The Commonwealth Games would be quite an event. We need the clear understanding of this city and whether it has the ability to host a global event," said Banks.
"It will be hugely contested by other cities, probably better placed than Auckland to host it. Our ability to win such an event falls in the possible camp, rather than probable."
Waitakere City mayor Bob Harvey said he was "wildly enthusiastic" about a Games bid and offered to chair any future organising committee.
Harvey said he had been involved in Auckland's successful bid in 1990 and was keen to offer his experience again. He said he had suggested the idea to former sports minister Trevor Mallard and former Auckland Central MP Judith Tizard, but had not received a reply.
Rodney District mayor Penny Webster said hosting the Games would be "a great thing" for Auckland, especially in the wake of the Rugby World Cup. "Obviously some of the facilities would be there. If the World Cup is as good as everyone thinks, it will put Auckland on the map."
Webster said the council had been working with the group doing the feasibility study. She did not know exactly how much money Rodney had put into the study, but it was "not much".
Manukau mayor Len Brown was also supportive of the feasibility study, but it said it would depend on the attitude of the new Government. "That's the critical part of it."
Mike Lee, chairman of the Auckland Regional Council, was aware of the feasibility report.
He said the ARC was considering investing money into the research, but given the commercial failure of the Beckham match last weekend, "all bets are off".
"Until the Auditor-General has finished his report, the ARC would be prudent to not spend any more money on events."
