Christchurch City Council has been advised against pursuing a standalone bid to host the Commonwealth Games in the garden city.
The council’s economic development unit, ChristchurchNZ, cited high costs and significant risks, recommending instead that Christchurch support a national bid led by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and New Zealand Major Events.
Key points from the report include:
- National Approach: Support a nationwide hosting model led by NZOC, which would spread the Games across multiple cities, reducing financial burdens.
- No Further Investment: Hold off on investing resources into a standalone bid until a national bid is confirmed. Bidding costs alone could reach NZ$5 million.
- Focus on Other Events: Target other major sporting events that align with Christchurch’s infrastructure, offering economic benefits without the large financial commitment of the Commonwealth Games.
- Alternative Mega Events: ChristchurchNZ plans to propose an alternative event, such as the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) Open Masters Series, which offers benefits at a lower cost.
Christchurch last hosted the Games in 1974, but the scale of the event has grown significantly, with the 2022 Games involving nearly 5,000 athletes and a budget of £778 million (NZ$1.55 billion).
The recent withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, from the 2026 Games due to escalating costs underscored these financial risks.
ChristchurchNZ said the city should focus on events that leverage existing infrastructure and offer a solid return on investment. The report suggested preparing for future opportunities to host the Commonwealth Games, but only under financially viable conditions.
