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Grant Robertson to check out how to host Games

Author
Audrey Young, NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Mon, 2 Apr 2018, 6:45AM
(Photo/ Mark Mitchell)
(Photo/ Mark Mitchell)

Grant Robertson to check out how to host Games

Author
Audrey Young, NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Mon, 2 Apr 2018, 6:45AM

Sports Minister Grant Robertson is heading to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games this week where he will check out what it takes to hold a Games.

But he is making no commitment for New Zealand to host or even bid to host for the next unallocated hosting rights in 2026 or 2030.

"There are some people who are asking is it New Zealand's turn?" he told the Herald.

"I'm certainly not committing to that but one of the things I want to do when I go to the Gold Coast is getting a look at how a Games works and what the commitment is to doing it.

"But I'm certainly not committing to us hosting it or even bidding for it.

"It's a big undertaking but it will be a good chance for me to see how it's done now."

The 2022 games will be held in Birmingham, England, which was awarded hosting rights in December after they were taken off Durban in South Africa a year ago because of a funding shortfall.

Auckland last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and there were some suggestions, after Durban was dumped, that Auckland should put up its hand again.

Robertson said that one of the big commitments for any city hosting the Games is the obligation to provide a Games Village. For events such as Apec, which New Zealand is hosting in 2020, hotels or cruise ships are acceptable accommodation.

Robertson will arrive on the Gold Coast for the opening ceremony on Wednesday but will miss a summit of Commonwealth sports ministers on Tuesday.

New Zealand will be represented at it by the head of Sport NZ, Peter McSkimming.

"One of the big issues for the Games is what is the long-term sustainable format. Where does it go in the future?"

He was also keen to pursue one of his priorities as Sports Minister, increasing the participation of women in sport.

Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran will be attending the Games this week as well because TVNZ is a host broadcaster.

Robertson thought the country would follow the Commonwealth Games because the time difference with the coast was small and it was on free-to-air television.

NEW ZEALAND'S PROSPECTS
Speaking about New Zealand's prospects at the Games, Robertson said if New Zealand could win the men's and women's shot put titles with Tom Walsh and Valerie Adams "that would be pretty special".

If Eliza McCartney came through in the pole vault that would be a great success in track and field.

But the Commonwealth Games always tended to throw up surprises with emerging athletes.

"We'll be looking out for cycling and hockey. I think the netball will be a bit of a challenge but hopefully they will do well."

PARKER VS JOSHUA
Commenting on the Joseph Parker vs Anthony Joshua fight today, Robertson said Parker's comments after losing the bout had shown him to be "a fine young man".

"I thought his post-fight comments showed that he is a fine young man. They were humble and understanding of what had happened."

No one else had managed to go 12 rounds with Joshua.

"He was competitive and he wants to go back and work hard and do it again. He is young enough to do that and I really hope he is able to."

INTEGRITY IN SPORT
Referring to the Australian cricket crisis and New Zealand's drugs in sports scandal Robertson said integrity in sport was coming up a lot in his portfolio.

"We've had the issue with the drug stuff in New Zealand, the Clenbuterol stuff, there's a lot of work to do…

"Everyone wants us to be competitive and to play to win but the win-at-all-costs mentality is coming under challenge".

EASTER SPORTS
Robertson has got in some sports over the Easter break, getting to the cricket test against England at Hagley Oval on Saturday and calling in to the Addington Races as well, his second race meeting of the year after the Wellington Cup day at Trentham.

Robertson said he grew up with harness racing, having lived just around the road from Forbury Park in Dunedin.

"It's all the same trainers and drivers from when I followed it 25 years ago. It helps with the betting, I can tell you."

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