“We saw it just recently in Birmingham in 2022, seeing our athletes first and foremost perform in these big multi sport events. To be able to do that at home in front of their friends, their whānau, the communities that have helped build them into the athletes they are, that’s something that we’re really excited about.
“There are [also] a number of social, economic and cultural outcomes that a major games can bring to the country. So certainly working in partnership with Government, that’s really important to us as well.”
READ MORE: Why NZ is in a great position to host the Commonwealth Games
New Zealand has previously hosted the Games in 1950, 1974 and 1990.
Nicol said the ability to host the Games across the whole country under the CGF’s new hosting model was a big factor in New Zealand putting its hand up for 2034.
“This certainly is a bid for all New Zealand, it’s not one city that we would be looking at.
“That’s the work that we would do across the country with different regional locations to see what’s possible.
“For us that feels much more Kiwi, it feels like it would be something that we can celebrate from the top to the bottom. Those are things that are really important to us, so this new model gives us that flexibility.”
Nicol also looks forward to showcasing sport that New Zealand will excel at, while protecting the “history and heritage” of the Games.
“We’d want to look at a lens of what is great for New Zealand, the sports that we participate in well and that we love ... and what’s also relevant for the Pacific.”
With the CGF focusing on 2030 as a priority, New Zealand has plenty of time to create a proposal for a potential 2034 bid, including undertaking a formal feasibility study.
Nicol admits the biggest challenge will be cost, but she’s thankful to have full support from the Government and the private sector.
“These are not small investments, but also when you look at all the analysis from Birmingham, the economic impact is actually really positive.
“We’ve got to really understand the different models that are out there and be really creative – that’s partnering with Government, partnering with council, but also partnering with the private sector and how we can leverage that.
“I think that’s the challenge for us now is to come up with a model that meets all the stakeholders’ abilities to participate and be able to put forward a bid that we are really proud of.”
The Government said it is welcoming interest by the NZOC in hosting the 2034 Games, and that the process has cross-party support from the National Party.
“Further work needs to be done to understand New Zealand’s position before considering whether to make a formal bid for the 2034 games, but I am excited at the prospect and potential for us to host it here,” Sports Minister Grant Robertson said.
“Last year’s Commonwealth Games really highlighted for me how important the event is for our sportspeople to get a chance to compete at a multi-discipline international event, outside of the Olympics. Kiwis really got behind our athletes and it was a fantastic event both in Birmingham but also for people back here watching and supporting our team.”
Nicol added that athletes are already “over the moon” about the news.
