Like the Rugby World Cup NZ that Auckland will host - this is a major potential sporting event for NZ and I think it deserves it's own thread.

This could be a big thing or a dead duck in the water very quickly. Whatever the outcome it is exciting for NZ and Christchurch so let Kiwiscrapers be in on it from the very begining.

What I'll do is copy the articles that Kane and Mo Rush got so quickly onto the thread sites.......and let's take it from there.

Remember: Christchurch has hosted the Commonwealth games once before, and Auckland has had them twice before - so we know that NZ can do it - but could it happen again?

:|

The Press 2007/01/30

A Christchurch group is investigating bidding for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The group, which formed an incorporated society last year, includes Neil Blanchfield, who has organised several sporting events in Christchurch, including the Golden Oldies rugby tournament.

Blanchfield, and John Filsell, the Christchurch City Council's manager of recreation and sport, will meet New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) members and the events division of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc) in Wellington on Thursday to learn more about what is required by the London-based Commonwealth Games Federation for a bid.

Filsell said yesterday that the group wrote to former city council chief executive Lesley McTurk last year, asking the council's opinion on a bid.

"Dr McTurk replied saying the council had a long history in sports events and that it would work with any stakeholders to establish if a bid was feasible," he said.

"She also said a significant central government contribution would be essential for the Games to come to Christchurch.

"Thursday's meeting will explore the options surrounding a bid. After that, my next port of call would be reporting back to stakeholders and the council's Creating Stronger Communities group.

"If they decided to go any further, it would then have to go before the council for guidance on how to proceed. It's at a very early stage, with no commitments."

He said no-one at the council had looked at what venues would be required.

"That's the sort of information we would discuss on Thursday," he said.

"Others things to ask will be, is it at all feasible? What are the costs involved? What are the venue requirements? What infrastructure does a city need? Are our transport, accommodation and volunteer networks big enough? How does central government feel about New Zealand making a bid?

"If we tick the boxes on these questions and present the information to the council, it's up to them to give a steer on whether to proceed further or say it's out of our league."

Although the Games are 11 years away, the bid will have to be made in the next four years. The 2018 Games will probably be awarded in 2011.

The 2014 Games will be allocated by the Commonwealth Games Federation at a meeting in Sri Lanka in November.

Christchurch held the Games in 1974 and, in a rarity for the Games, made a profit of $1.3 million. The size of the Games have burgeoned since then.

In 1974 there were 10 sports and 1276 competitors, but competitor numbers exploded when team sports were introduced at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games and the number of sports was expanded to a maximum 17.

NZOC secretary-general Barry Maister said the Games were "right on the fringe for New Zealand".

"There would need to be a greater appetite for government support for an event this large," he said.

"I don't want to knock anyone's enthusiasm and I'd love to see the Games in New Zealand, but it's a big ask.

"I'm mindful of what's going on at the moment with the three cities who are bidding for 2014. The literature and glossy publications we are getting, plus invitations to visit their countries, all expenses paid, to see their facilities gives an indication of the costs of staging the whole thing.

"The cost of bidding alone is large, and India has raised the bar in terms of subsidies to athletes. You could argue that's part of getting the Games, but it's set a bar and I'm sure the ones in 2014 won't be able to match it. The NZOC's view is we would love to have a Comm Games and we'll support anyone who wants to put their hand up."

A feasibility study on New Zealand again hosting the Games was done last year by Sir Ron Scott, the chairman of the 1974 Games organising committee. The study concluded the Games were out of New Zealand's reach, but Maister said Sparc, which commissioned the study, wanted more information.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Christchurch New Zealand Considers 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid
Posted 12:14 pm ET (GamesBids.com)

A Christchurch group is looking into bidding for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and formed an incorporated society last year.

Members of the group will meet with New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) members and the events division of Sport and Recreation New Zealand in Wellington Thursday to learn more about what is required by the Commonwealth Games Federation to bid for the Games.

John Filsell, Christchurch City Council manager of recreation and sport said, “Thursday’s meeting will explore the options surrounding a bid. After that my next port of call would be reporting back to stakeholders and the council’s Creating Stronger Communities group. If they decided to go any further it would then have to go before the council for guidance on how to proceed. It’s at a very early stage with no commitments”.

Christchurch held the Games in 1974.

NZOC secretary general Barry Maister said the Games were “right on the fringe for New Zealand. There would need to be a greater appetite for government support for an event this large”.

He added, “I don’t want to knock anyone’s enthusiasm and I’d love to see the Games in New Zealand but it’s a big ask. I’m mindful of what’s going on at the moment with the three cities that are bidding for 2014. The literature and glossy publications we are getting, plus invitations to visit their countries, all expenses paid, to see their facilities gives an indication of the costs of staging the whole thing”.

A feasibility study on New Zealand hosting the Games again was done last year and concluded that the Games were out of New Zealand’s reach, but Maister said Sparc, which commissioned the study, wanted more information.

http://www.gamesbids.com/english/index.shtml

Yep I definitely hope they go for it. QEII park revamp! Yay!:)

Cool. It'd be nice to hold something like this in NZ again.

Who are we up against ?

Thus far only Adelaide, South Australia. Their hedging their bets in case they miss out on the 2014 bid!

Interesting, how similar Adelaide and Christchurch are in general appearance. I've only visited Adelaide once and was struck by the similarities.

Thus far only Adelaide, South Australia. Their hedging their bets in case they miss out on the 2014 bid!

I'd be happy with either. South Australia desperately needs something to put it back on the map.

^^lol, nah who cares, we want it here!

I'd be happy with either. South Australia desperately needs something to put it back on the map.

Lol. For me South Australia will always be on the map - the best Reds in the world!!!

Thus far only Adelaide, South Australia. Their hedging their bets in case they miss out on the 2014 bid!

On the Games Bid website, they only have as the bid cities:

Halifax, Canada
Glasgow, Scotland
Abuja, Nigeria

I'm not sure if they are the short list, or they are still waiting for ADL's bid to arrive.

I'm with Todd on this one - we want it here - it would be good for NZ if we did it well :)

the athletics at QEII will need to be completly redone, it is an absolute shithole

the athletics at QEII will need to be completly redone, it is an absolute shithole

True - but that would all be within the planning. I could imagine Jade being used for the opening and closing, a lot of the venues are already in existance, planning, being constructed, being refurbished. It's how will they bring it all together. Just think what this is going to do for

Transport - roading, harbour, airport
Construction - sporting, commercial, accomadation ect
Tourisim - both North and South and Australia

The thought is exciting enough.

good luck christchurch. im rooting for ya

Hey NZ, we have international exposure on the Cityscapes and Skylines thread. All the way from HK!!

Do you guys reckon Wellington could handle event like this?

This will depend on how NZ pulls off the WC 2011.. "if the country cant get stadia up to international standard, how could a city manage it" approach will be looked at.

Who are we up against ?

durban

Durban will be tough to beat I reckon.

Wellington would be spectacular.

This is really exiting, I hope we at least get a bid in, that will make me proud. I was dissapointed beyond words when christchurch failed to make a strong bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics - or is that still to be decided? I don't know. Anyway the major reason for that from what I remember was lack of support from central government and lack of enthusiasim from the CCC. The winter olympics in Christchurch nearly surpasses all my dreams.

This is really exiting, I hope we at least get a bid in, that will make me proud. I was dissapointed beyond words when christchurch failed to make a strong bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics - or is that still to be decided? I don't know. Anyway the major reason for that from what I remember was lack of support from central government and lack of enthusiasim from the CCC. The winter olympics in Christchurch nearly surpasses all my dreams.

mm...i remember a bid book i have regarding a christchurch winter games bid..its an informal proposal "fantasy" bid pdf file created a few years back..would you like to see it?
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Chlogo.jpg

Would love to see Christchurch host these games.

Also I think Christchurch should see if it is possible to host the winter Olympics, the first in the southern hemisphere. You have one of the best chances in the southern hemisphere other than Chile or Argentina.

Would love to see Christchurch host these games.

Also I think Christchurch should see if it is possible to host the winter Olympics, the first in the southern hemisphere. You have one of the best chances in the southern hemisphere other than Chile or Argentina.

Would be fantastic. I think If CHC hosted it, we could celebrate it as a Australasian effort at a Winter Olympics.

mm...i remember a bid book i have regarding a christchurch winter games bid..its an informal proposal "fantasy" bid pdf file created a few years back..would you like to see it?
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Chlogo.jpg

Wouldn't it be wonderful.............:|

Auckland has also shown interest.

I don't think that South Africa has ever hosted the Commonwealth Games ?? -if not, they have a better chance of winning & they will have a much improved infrastructure after hosting the Soccer World Cup.

I don't think that South Africa has ever hosted the Commonwealth Games ?? -if not, they have a better chance of winning & they will have a much improved infrastructure after hosting the Soccer World Cup.

what infrastructure?...the "planned" infrastructure that has not yet started construction just over 3 years before the tournament.

True - but that would all be within the planning. I could imagine Jade being used for the opening and closing, a lot of the venues are already in existance, planning, being constructed, being refurbished. It's how will they bring it all together. Just think what this is going to do for

maybe this is an excuse to rethink the redevelopment of jade stadium

mm...i remember a bid book i have regarding a christchurch winter games bid..its an informal proposal "fantasy" bid pdf file created a few years back..would you like to see it?
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Chlogo.jpg

would love to see it man!

what infrastructure?...the "planned" infrastructure that has not yet started construction just over 3 years before the tournament.

Oh ! with all the cheap labour around and high unemployment rate, surely they can get some asses working - or is it a political hold-up ? if that is the case, well then there is a problem - LOL

I wouldn't worry though, they will get cracking !

maybe this is an excuse to rethink the redevelopment of jade stadium

Perhaps?

Hey what is your new avatar - South Island Football?

would love to see it man!

pm me ur email address

Good luck with the Commonwealth Games bid.:)

However, honestly I couldn't care less which city hosts it, because this event is getting quite boring and unimportant. Australia always wins by far anyway- boooooring.

If NZ hosts it at least there won't be big time difference here in Australia, and you will gain some experience for hosting bigger events sometime in the future. You never know- maybe some day in very distant future you'll get to host summer olympics- after year 2150 or 2200 there will probably be realistic chances for NZ hosting first summer olympics (winter olympics are never hosted on southern hemisphere and there's a good reason for that).

would love to see it man!

Believe it or not I'm the one who created it. I entered a christchurch fansty bid contest or the 2018 winter olympic games and it won. I dont have a copy of it but Mo rush can post it if he likes.

If Abuja, Nigeria wins the right to host the 2014 games then Durban would have very little chance of winning as the games tend not to be held in the same region (africa) twice in a row.

I'd prefer Wellington but I dont know if they are interested in bidding...

if it were hosted in adelaide then it could bring a little excitement to that little, little city -.-

Perhaps?

Hey what is your new avatar - South Island Football?

perhaps not though

the avitar is the logo of some k-league side that i am currrently playing with on fifa 2007 in my manger career, just like with my previous 2 avitars lech poznan and trabzonspoor(it is a bit sad though)

if it were hosted in adelaide then it could bring a little excitement to that little, little city -.-

Adelaide is not ready for big sporting events- not enough infrastructure, bad roads and traffic, lack of sporting facilities (although this could be fixed).

Good luck with that, although I find the Commonweath Games boring. Why not something like the cricket world cup? Way more popular for a start, and that means $$$!!

Or you could push for an NRL team. That way the NZ Warriors can be finally renamed back to the Auckland Warriors and Christchurch can call themselves the Christchurch AussieAssWhippers or somethin'.

Believe it or not I'm the one who created it. I entered a christchurch fansty bid contest or the 2018 winter olympic games and it won. I dont have a copy of it but Mo rush can post it if he likes.

If Abuja, Nigeria wins the right to host the 2014 games then Durban would have very little chance of winning as the games tend not to be held in the same region (africa) twice in a row.

I'd prefer Wellington but I dont know if they are interested in bidding...
it was quite a decent bid book

^^ indeed it was, good work. And thanks alot for the email mo rush. What interested me is that the christchurch olympic bid did have central government backing (Helen Clark). Although I am extremely dissapointed about the lack of effort for a 2014 bid, I do believe there is about 5 years untill the 2018 winter olympic host city is decided - plenty of time for this fantasy bid to become a reality.

Do you really think Christchurch could host the winter olympics? It would be very different from your other traditional host venues.

Do you really think Christchurch could host the winter olympics? It would be very different from your other traditional host venues.

Nah mate not at the moment. We don't have enough clout in the winter sporting fraternities and our athletes dont preform on a high enough standard. The venues and idstance wold alos be mahor problems the south island would need to over come. A study was done back in the mid 1990's looking at the 2006 games and it did conclude that it would be possible but unlikely. Maybe someday but alot of work will need to be done before we could be submit a bid.

Nah mate not at the moment.
I'll take that bit and leave the rest, you're right we're a long way off, it's improbable but by no means impossible.

Posted 1:58 pm ET (GamesBids.com)

Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard met Thursday with Bruce Ullrich of the Christchurch group proposing a bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and said the meeting was “positive” adding that talks on a 2018 Games bid would be held with the New Zealand Olympic Committee. But he said any decision on government support was some time off.

The Christchurch group says any proposal would require significant financial backing from the government.

Mallard said “part of it has got to be a discussion about whether there should be a New Zealand bid for 2018. We haven’t decided what the New Zealand bid is and how to pay for it if that occurs. I think that we wouldn’t want to be at the point that we’d never have a Commonwealth Games in New Zealand”.

Mallard said there were several possibilities for a New Zealand Games bid. Christchurch and Auckland were likely contenders. He said, “there’s no hurry on it. It would be good to know whether we had a New Zealand bid by the end of the year”.

Ullrich, vice-chairman of the organizing committee for the 1974 Games in Christchurch said, “we have been working on this project for about 12 months. Of all the cities in the Commonwealth we think that Christchurch is one that could stage the Commonwealth Games most economically”.

He believes a “no-frills” Christchurch bid, which would not require major capital development, would cost significantly less than the $2.3 billion spent on the Melbourne Commonwealth Games last year. “There’s got to be significant government input to stage the Games. Government support at the two most recent Games has been in the range of 80 to 90 per cent”.

He said, “the crux of this is to what extent can we keep the operational costs to a minimum. The only capital cost we need to look at is maybe a new (cycling) velodrome and possibly a new rowing venue”.

He said Mallard’s suggestion of holding those events at existing facilities was something that could be considered.

The group will now rally government ministers and attempt to generate support in principle for the bid.

New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister said the committee was starting to work with the government to establish a process for assessing the feasibility of bidding for the Games. He said it was too early to “come out and speculate” on the merits of specific locations

from mallard's statement i assume that jade stadium would be the atletics venue...how about auckland?

perhaps, although QE2 park is our traditional athletics venue, so I wouldn't rule out that getting redone. I can't speak for Auckland.

Auckland's main athletics venue is Mt Smart (aka Ericson(sp?)). But no, if another NZ city then Wellington should get second dibbs!

mm...i remember a bid book i have regarding a christchurch winter games bid..its an informal proposal "fantasy" bid pdf file created a few years back..would you like to see it?
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Chlogo.jpg

LOL where did that logo come from? I designed that a few years back.

Wellington has been interested at various times... I remember there was quite a strong push to bid for 2006. I think Wellington is more suited to a single-venue event, such as the Sevens. It's too heavily concentrated in the central city. Would be amazing to see Chch bid but if the Melbourne games cost $2.3 billion god knows how much the 2018 will. I know they say "no frills" games but they'd basically have to hold all the events on the grass at Hagley Park to afford it.

LOL where did that logo come from? I designed that a few years back.


Mo Rush posted the bid book from the Gamesbids fanstay contest

slightly of the topic, but i can see Auckland bidding for the olympic games in the near future...

^^ Wont happen till after Dublin puts a bid in.:ohno:

slightly of the topic, but i can see Auckland bidding for the olympic games in the near future...

I don't think so mate. Athens spent over $15 billion USD (about $21 billion NZD) to stage the 2004 games. About the same figure would need to be spent on Auckland to bring it up to olympic host standard. Aucklanders' couldnt even be won over for a $300-$500million stadium, forget multiple billions on stadiums, arenas, velodromes, aqautics centres etc. which I imagine the city would never find enough use for to make them viable.

I don't think so mate. Athens spent over $15 billion USD (about $21 billion NZD) to stage the 2004 games. About the same figure would need to be spent on Auckland to bring it up to olympic host standard. Aucklanders' couldnt even be won over for a $300-$500million stadium, forget multiple billions on stadiums, arenas, velodromes, aqautics centres etc. which I imagine the city would never find enough use for to make them viable.

auckland 2044...a lovely waterfront olympic stadium, aquatic centre,velodrome indoor arena..:)

hehe ^^

The Press | Tuesday, 13 March 2007

Christchurch group investigating a bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games has met local Labour members of Parliament to discuss strategies for its proposal, says its chairman, Bruce Ullrich.

"We've met all the local Labour MPs and Cabinet ministers, but I won't say what we're proposing. It was just to talk about the project and how we see it developing," said Ullrich.

The group revealed in late January that it is considering a bid for the 2018 Games, but said it could not be done without the support of the Government.

It has since met Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard, and representatives of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Sparc.

Ullrich said it was important to keep the investigative process moving.

"With presentations having to be made in New Delhi in 2010, and selection of the successful candidate a year later, we have to keep things moving to get proper feasibility studies in place.

"Ideally, we should almost have a presence in Beijing next year (to promote Christchurch's case). We are waiting for Sparc to do a feasibility study on the costs, and for the Government to make a decision on whether it's time for New Zealand to make another bid for the Commonwealth Games."

Ullrich, who was a vice-chairman of the 1974 Games in Christchurch, said the Government contribution for any future bid by New Zealand would be substantially more than the $250,000 the 1974 organising committee received.

The introduction of team sports in 1998 at Kuala Lumpur has more than doubled the participants in the Games and the Commonwealth Games Federation has stated it is happy with the size of the Games and last November increased the number of compulsory sports from five to 10.

Ullrich said the committee had looked at the sports it would have on its programme.

"We are looking at sports that we do well in, like triathlon, rowing, cycling, gymnastics and even tennis. We would look at Twenty20 cricket as an additional team sport if there were financial benefits," said Ullrich.

If a bid was to be made Ullrich said the NZOC would probably "play it down the middle" and ask for applications from interested cities.

"We are trying to avoid that if we can. What's the point of Auckland doing a feasibility study costing $2 million, someone else doing one, and us doing one to get the New Zealand vote?

"There are good reasons why the Games should come back to Christchurch, with Auckland having held them as recently as 1990."

One of the bid cities for the 2014 Games, Halifax in Canada, withdrew its bid last week because of cost concerns.

that sounds....good?

well, one less potential candidate to worry about anyway.

that sounds....good?

well, one less potential candidate to worry about anyway.

:lol: :lol: agree

15/03/2007 9:04:02


Christchurch is down to the last two in its bid to host the 2010 International Paralympic Athletics World Championships. However, it will take a major effort to bump Barcelona off the podium.


Paralympic New Zealand spokesman Neil Blanchfield says the event would involve a total of around two thousand people for up to 16 days, generating around 10-million dollars for the local economy.


A decision is expected in November.

Just read an article in the Press that says the group who is putting forward the CHC bid will be hearing back from the Government next week as to if it will stump up the money to support the Games for NZ.

I so hope it's a goer :banana:

hope we get good news - would be great for the whole country. there was talk on the nz stadium thread though about teh bad image nz might be putting out to the international community about our ability to build stadiums and host international events.

We should be hearing some more about this soon..............

See Glasgow has been picked to host the 2014 Games over Abuja.

Well done Glasgow and Scotland :banana:

Yeah that does open the Durban door for 2018 then

Yeah that does open the Durban door for 2018 then

Has there been talk about it in Durban? Should be interesting to see the line up of cities and what they will offer for the games of the future.

Has there been talk about it in Durban? Should be interesting to see the line up of cities and what they will offer for the games of the future.

These are the potential candidates thus far ....

* Gold Coast, Queensland
* Auckland or Christchurch
* Abuja
* Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago)
* Cardiff

^^

Cardiff will not get the games before one of the other cities due to the successful Glasgow bid. Despite technically being a different country, people will still view it as "Great Britain" and will moan like hell if they give it to Cardiff.

The GC - I would cry if they won it, it would be awful there. Like the coast itself (and very much UNlike other Australian cities) it would be tacky, glitzy and cheap.

Abuja - Need to clean up their Government a wee bit. A lot of work has been done in Nigeria with regards to corruption clean up, but there is still a long way to go. It would be an interesting bid. I would rather Abuja than the GC.

Port of Spain - Interesting option. Not sure quite what I feel about this bid at the moment.

Auckland - No. Not yet. Let Chch take the thunder.

So from looking at our present competition I would definitely say that Chch has a chance and I would very much like it to be held there.

If Durban were to bid I would still back Chch.

^^ I agree with what you say.

Maybe Abuja feel they would deserve it after losing to Glasgee. I think Durbans proposal really depends on how SA go with the Football World Cup. They could have some support as when did SA last host it- back when it was called the Empire games??? It would be a neat idea to give it to T & T, I think they would be up to the task. And exactly right about Cardiff- for all intensive purposes Wales, Scotland all UK. Best to share it about. GC would have a bit of a shot if they wanted to sexy it up a bit. Im all for it going to Chch, the 1974 games were a success and the Christchurch of 2018 would do a great job.

I think the Gold Coast is to glitzy and cheap - it's also a urban playground rather than a "city". Melbourne only had the games two years ago as well.:ohno:

Port of Spain - I think the heat might not be to everyones liking - and T&T are only small islands. I've worked with many nurses from there and they say that Trinadad time is not the same time as the rest of the world - so they might not even had a stadium built in time (sounds a little like NZ & the RWC :lol:):ohno:

Abuja is the capital of a country that is corrupt and inhumane. Although the country is very rich, the misuse of the cash is just shocking. Until there is some improvement there, having the games in Nigeria would be awful. Again I work with many Nigerians that have fled their violient crime ridden country, their stories are quiet sad.:ohno:

I love Cardiff - so much going on there and I would love to see the Games held in that wonderful city, but Svart is right - people see it as part of Britain and Glasgow has the games now.:)

Auckland just bugger off and let somewhere else in NZ have a bit of limelight internationally - even if we don't get the games. The display with the RWC also has done the city and country no favour - this could work against a AKL or CHC bid.:ohno:

If Durban bids - they have good population, lovely location, money, nice weather - but ??South African problems. :)

I think Canada will bid again - they always do things well.:)

Christchurch - 1974 was a great games - but it was a very, very different time 37 years ago. I think CHC would have to produce a trimmed down, functional, finacially tight, green type of games - effectively setting a new standard for host city. We have tons going for us - however the government would have to make some issues like transport a priority for the city. :)

I think CHC would have to produce a trimmed down, functional, finacially tight, green type of games - effectively setting a new standard for host city. We have tons going for us - however the government would have to make some issues like transport a priority for the city. :)

I think Christchurch of 2018 will be a great city and will be up to this task. Also reckon this is the type of thing our new mayor Bob Parker would really salivate over. Im sure he is well onto getting things moving to get this here- even if his primary goal is to have it as his legacy.

I think the Gold Coast is to glitzy and cheap - it's also a urban playground rather than a "city". Melbourne only had the games two years ago as well.:ohno:

Haha, absolutely.



Auckland just bugger off and let somewhere else in NZ have a bit of limelight internationally - even if we don't get the games. The display with the RWC also has done the city and country no favour - this could work against a AKL or CHC bid.:ohno:


:lol::lol: I agree that Auckland might have helped scupper any chances of hosting an event due to mismanagement, however, lets see how well we pull off the RWC before we completely write ourselves out of the running!

Has there been talk about it in Durban? Should be interesting to see the line up of cities and what they will offer for the games of the future.

The city have stated they will bid for 2018. Also, South Africa is virgin territory for the games, we have never hosted them. Yes 2010 will show our capabilities, and Durban will already have the infrastructure, with very little needed to be built. And yes, we are a large city

The city have stated they will bid for 2018. Also, South Africa is virgin territory for the games, we have never hosted them. Yes 2010 will show our capabilities, and Durban will already have the infrastructure, with very little needed to be built. And yes, we are a large city

:lol:might be the kiddy then!! Although I hope Christchurch beats you to it, if we get the go ahead! :lol::)

I am all for Christchurch hosting the event ... Auckland is obviously a hopeless case, they can't organise a piss-up in a brewery (hopefully things will change once we are a uni-city) .... I would love for Wellington to throw in their bid as well (my preferred choice will definitely lean towards them ;) )

Durban stands a good chance but everything depends on what Zuma does to the country - so for now it is a big IF ?

I am all for Christchurch hosting the event ... Auckland is obviously a hopeless case, they can't organise a piss-up in a brewery (hopefully things will change once we are a uni-city) .... I would love for Wellington to throw in their bid as well (my preferred choice will definitely lean towards them ;) )

Durban stands a good chance but everything depends on what Zuma does to the country - so for now it is a big IF ?

Princess, you and Mr KF must come and vist the Mainland and its fine Capital:)

Welly is wonderful though.....:banana:

Just knew AKL would try and steal the bid from us......it was only a matter of time :ohno:

Let the war of words and thoughts begin..........:bash:

If Christchurch gets the chance to host the Commonwealth Games a second time, then the Queen Elizabeth II Park may be increased to a 40,000 capacity.

I think Gold Coast would put on a great games. I know the sports facility planners down there and they are planning some amazing facilities. But 2018 is to early for another Commonwealth games in Oz.

Personally I think Christchurch will be easily outbid b one of the bigger cities in the commonwealth. Especially if SA do a good job with the World Cup.

I think Gold Coast would put on a great games. I know the sports facility planners down there and they are planning some amazing facilities. But 2018 is to early for another Commonwealth games in Oz.

Personally I think Christchurch will be easily outbid b one of the bigger cities in the commonwealth. Especially if SA do a good job with the World Cup.

Gee - thanks!!

What has the gold coast got to do with a 'Christchurch' commonwealth games bid?

Hamilton NZ???

Sorry Davee,
just the reality of putting on big sporting events. Even the commonwealth games are being hit hard by escalating security costs. Plus the RMA is a nightmare for any new infrastructure!!! If Christchurch was going to be successful they would have to have a large amount of support ($$$) from the Beehive.

Just putting out Gold Coast as a possible bid winner because I know the polys in the city council (ex olympians) have will to do it, thy are really trying to get out of the shadow of Brisbane. Not sure you are a ware but Gold Coast is twice the size of Christchurch and growing fast, Plus there is a lot of infrastructure support from the Queensland State government.

Hamilton NZ is a great little town but don't think they will get the commonwealth games anytime soon. The V8s will keep them happy for a few years.

Just your bluntness QB.

sorry about being blunt. I was quoted a couple of years ago in saying NZ didnt have a shot at the 2011 rugby world cup. was proven wrong then... Might be here as well.

sorry about being blunt. I was quoted a couple of years ago in saying NZ didnt have a shot at the 2011 rugby world cup. was proven wrong then... Might be here as well.

Hey, :|let's hope you are proved wrong again ;)

I think we need games that are "dumbed" down a bit. After Melbourne last, and whatever they are going to do in Delhi, it will just become to much for any one!

After all.....

_mMuRH8KQCo

:banana::lol::tyty::cucumber::applause::grouphug::pepper::dance::carrot::laugh::hi::lol::lol::banana:

sorry about being blunt. I was quoted a couple of years ago in saying NZ didnt have a shot at the 2011 rugby world cup. was proven wrong then... Might be here as well.

Mate, I seriously think NZ can do it.

Mate, I seriously think NZ can do it.

I do to. If CHC uses the winning formular of 1974, I'm sure it could pull of a 2018 version. I really do.

I was 8 when the games were in CHC and can remember going to different events, it was so much fun, but times were very different back then.

Yeah a fairly different era. I went to a day of athletics at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth games which was really really awesome.

^^^^^^You make me sound really old :lol:

And before you say it.............I'm NOT!!!!:banana::lol:

The ChCh games were about 8 years before I was born!

Hey, :|let's hope you are proved wrong again ;)

I think we need games that are "dumbed" down a bit. After Melbourne last, and whatever they are going to do in Delhi, it will just become to much for any one!

After all.....

I think you're right. A lot will depend on how well the Olympics in 2012 go down too considering they are going to be the "lean" olympics. If people cotton on to that formula in the future than we should have a better hope of bidding for a stripped down "back to the sports" Commonwealth Games to be hosted in Chch.

The thing is Christchurch was last host to the Games over 40 years ago come 2018.
We can't do it like they did, this event has evolved soooo much it's not funny, and it's had to. The event was nearly dying, and we needed the big sports event profile KL gave it in 98 to actually revive them - they were being overtaken in status by run of the mill athletic sports meets.
Auckland held the last successful Games on that level, the Victoria event in 94 is widely seen as being twee and uninspiring.
A good public spirit and volunteerism is extremely important in hosting a major event, but you need logistic to pull it off in the current era.
We need to think of this as a professional event, not a country school sports meet.
It's about sponsers, venue, risk management etc etc.
That's how we won the 2011 World Cup. We didnt go down that road of saying we can do it like we did in 87, we said *we can put on a professional sports event better than Japan and SA can do in the current environment*.

Christchurch tried to use that naive approach in their study to host the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
They had the she'll be right attitude of holding events in an aircraft hanger, and in a container terminal.
I should say I admire their efforts at trying contemplate such an event for NZ, but like I said - it's just naive.
Like Ive said before, at this stage, even with a smaller event than Melbourne (I think Manchester held the perfect sized CG event), it has to be Auckland.
We can't have sports halls that seat 300 people.

I don't think we can compare a possible Christchurch Games to a scaled back London Olympics. They are still spending billions upon billions of pounds to host the thing.

realities hurt.. but your pretty right. Even a "scaled back" games require the modern essentials of security and facilities, which in Christchurch would be well over 100 million. When it comes down to it, even in a scaled back environment the city that promises and has the potential for the best event will get it. Will still mean dollars and Im sure other cities in the commonwealth will be able to top the Christchurch bid...

If Christchurch is to succeed they will have to hit the bid process from another angle, not sure what that could be but it would have to be unique. Talking with a major event planner here in Queensland the other day about this topic and he mentioned that Dunedin mucking around with funding for a stadium wont reflect well on any promises Christchurch could potentially make for new or upgraded facilities.

Just a question, but with the talk of "tailoring things back" and making things smaller for a Christchurch bid, is that not (like some of the previous posters have stated) shooting yourself in the foot before leaving the gates?

I think Christchurch is a beauty from the pics i have seen, but a beauty for a small city. There is just something that for some reason doesnt sit when thinking about it holding a massive global event (no offence intended).

There are many cities in the commonwealth that have not hosted the event (heck South Africa has not even hosted and we have Cape Town, Durban and even Johannesburg are very capable cities with populations all over 3,5m).

I am not one for games constantly getting bigger, but i do want to see them get better. Setting folks up in twee conditions is not what u should be selling. Innovation is required. A small city place often offers wonders to an event, so much so that the event becomes the town/city for the duration. In large cities, these events are just a part of the everyday life for the people. The 2010 WC in SA is an example of this. The event is massive, however i could stay in my area of the city (40km away from the cbd stadium hub) and never even be exposed to the event if i didnt want to be. Whereas a games in Christchurch would be immersed through every facet of the place. These things need to be leveraged.

just my 50c :)

Nothing has been seen or heard since earlier this year and Christchurch and Auckland seem to have been quiet. the rumour mill has it that the past labour govt was dedicated to making Auckland the NZ "World Class" city and any major events would be driven from there. Word in the paper at the weekend after the dreadful massacre in Mumbai was that NZ and Aust will be on standby for taking over the cricket world cup should concerns about security continue in India. Sure bet would be the newly developed Eden Park (Will it be ready in 2011 let alone 2010.) In the meantime whats the bet the work has been going on in the various council chambers in the auckland region gearing up for a early 2009 announcement they are the candidate city for NZ for 2018 Comm games

Word in the paper at the weekend after the dreadful massacre in Mumbai was that NZ and Aust will be on standby for taking over the cricket world cup should concerns about security continue in India. Sure bet would be the newly developed Eden Park (Will it be ready in 2011 let alone 2010.) I would imagine that if this did happen the Cricket World Cup would be held in February/March of 2011 and Eden Park is set to be finished end of 2010.

Hello?...........................hmmmmm..........no one..........

I dont know much about how the winter olympics infrastructure works, but is it possible that Christchurch could ever bid for a winter olympics or am I way off the mark? As far as I know, many winter olympic cities (apart from Vancouver) aren't huge cities, and how far are major ski fields away from CHC?

Sochi has roughly the same population as Christchurch, so you are right on that mark. Thing is New Zealand doesn't seem big on the winter sports? Would they want it? WIki says they ditched the Commonwealth Games bid to go for the Winter Olympics

Christchurch would however be a very small Commonwealth Games holder, but perhaps that is the more sustainable way forward for the Commie Games.

well Hey Ho, Lets Go Christchuch. I would say the IOC would be craving for a southern hemisphere city with good ski fields to get some winter games. Infact I think the entire world would love NZ to get them. I believe Whistler is an hour or 2 away from vancouver, so Im quite sure there would be some ski fields within that distance from CHC. CHC already gets a lot of tourism, so theres no shortage of hotels in the Canterbury region

btw where is Sochi?

It's in Russia right near the Georgian Border on the edge of the black sea. It's the 2014 Host.

I would love for a Winter Games to come down south. I think Canberra could host it, similar situation to Christchurch.

There's about 6 skifields within 1 1/2 - 2 hr drive from the city, the 2 largest being 90 mins away, a bit shorter than the drive to Whistler from Vancouver. I think NZ's pretty keen on it's winter sports..

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472798

It should be a Christchurch/Queenstown bid, Christchurch being a city with a major international airport (resent major expanision a big plus) should host those big indoor venue sports e.g. ice hockey, ice skating & speed skating while Queenstown hosts all the alpine events e.g. skiing, nordic, bobsleigh & freestyle plus the ski jump, Treble cone in Wanaka can host the downhill & super G. Sure NZ putting in an official bid for the Winter Olympics is at least 20 years away because natually it's going to take that many years to build all of the infrastructure but it's off to a positive start with it's NZ Winter Games that event can be built on over time...and just 1 final point the opening in Christchurch but with the Olympic flame lit in Queenstown the cauldron set high up on the Remarkables mountains overlooking Queenstown...what a sight and thoses pictures going around the world, and naturally the closing in Queenstown. NZ don't waste your time with the Comm Games they're now a non event focus all your attention on the Winter Olympics, look NZ you may never be able to host a summer games like Australia can but you can hold a winter games, which natually is something that Australia will never have.

you can hold a winter games, which natually is something that Australia will never have.

My apologies as I know this has nothing to do with the topic at hand however to comment on the above statement why can't Australia bid for a winter Olympics ? this country also has snow fields & I'm sure with modern technology can fill in the gaps.

It should be a Christchurch/Queenstown bid
I'd actually go for a South Island bid. Dunedins new indoor stadium would be perfect for the ice events.

Christchurch pulled the pin on the CWG 2018

Christchurch

According to Radio New Zealand Christchurch City Council have withdraw from bidding on the 2018 Commonwealth Games[31] On February 17 Radio New Zealand posted on their website that $ 500,000 New Zealand dollars was withdrawn for studies into the viability of hosting the 2018 commonwealth games in the cities of Auckland and Christchurch. In the Radio New Zealand report it states Christchurch has withdraw interest in Staging the 2018 games. The city decided to focuss on a long term plan to host the 2022 Winter Olympics instead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Commonwealth_Games

So did the Jaffa Brigade

http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/commonwealth-games-hits-funding-hurdle-2491564

Citing funding concerns.:hilarious Shit no.After the RWC 2011 "cluster fuck",we don't need further embarrassment.:nuts:.And as for Government funding?, Hell no!......"lights on, but no ones home".:weird:

As for winter games 2018,it's a battle between France,Germany & South Korea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Winter_Olympics

My apologies as I know this has nothing to do with the topic at hand however to comment on the above statement why can't Australia bid for a winter Olympics ? this country also has snow fields & I'm sure with modern technology can fill in the gaps.

The Australian Alps
http://www.worldloppetskier.com/Advice/hoppet.07.jpg

The Southern Alps/Queenstown
http://www.ski-newzealand.co.nz/images/maps/the-remarkables-trails_large.jpg
Strange what do you mean by modern technology can fill in the gaps? You can't possibly mean making those small mountains bigger by adding to them? surely not what adding between 5-8,000 ft of earth, it's not only the height of the mountains but the altitude as well, plus having a proper alpine climate Queenstown has those 3 basic requirments plus about 5 others and a Winter Olympics bid is still at least 15 years away.

I think a Winter Olympics in the South Island is a realistic possibility. Various other 'Alpine Resorts' around the world have done it and it is not unreasonable to expect that we can do it.

Of course the first thing that it needs is Government Backing. No proposal will ever seriously get off the ground unless the government stumps up the bid money and at least backs some part of the costs of hosting it.

With John Key being tourism minister, if he is in for long enough then this is a real possibility.

I'd suggest Dunedin, Christchurch host the indoor stuff between them, with Queenstown and Wanaka hosting the outdoor stuff. As far as the actual named "Host City" goes, I actually think Queenstown would be the best choice.

Epic bump-

Did I dream this? Im sure Ive heard last night that the mayor wants Christchurch to submit a bid for the 2022 games. Does anyone know anything about this? I cant find anything online about it.

This would be just the thing for our city.

:banana::banana::banana::banana:

You're not wrong!

I saw that little article re Chch Commonwealth Games.
I dunno, I would love to see the Games return to NZ , I still love the event, but really - I think as it stands Auckland is the only Kiwi city who can do it justice.
I don't really think the Mayor quite knows what is involved, he mentions events being held all around the country , you don't do that in this kind of event, and it certainly wouldn't win.
I think Auckland is the only city with the capable infrastructure and venue plan that could pull off a bid win.

If I were Christchurch I would investigate bidding for the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

I think that they should be focussing on sorting out some more pressing and perhaps realistic issues....

Nice thought, but cant see it happening.

I think that they should be focussing on sorting out some more pressing and perhaps realistic issues....

Nice thought, but cant see it happening.

Guys - get with it!! This is exactly the thing that Christchurch should be aiming for! This is a long term plan (2022 is a long way off) but why not? Christchurch did it before (1974) and at the time were heralded as the best commonwealth games to date. many of our sporting venues have to be rebuilt now anyway so what better excuse. I also think we are heading down a very sore road when we start to adopt this "only Auckland can do it" mentality.. don't know where the hell this comes from in a pro Christchurch forum...:bash:

I don't think it's a case of an *only Auckland can do it* attitude. I think it's a case of having studied the business of events bidding and knowing how events have evolved.
Christchurch were without a doubt a fantastic Games of their times, but the Games have grown in a mamoth way, we now see over 6000 athletes, not event close to the 3000 or so and 10 sports we saw in Auckland in 1990.

Being Pro-Christchurch and realistic and analytical doesn't have to conflict. Just think Christchurch should pick what a city of its size is able to facilitate.

I don't think it's a case of an *only Auckland can do it* attitude.


Auckland is the only Kiwi city who can do it justice.



I think Auckland is the only city with the capable infrastructure and venue plan that could pull off a bid win.


And re:


Being Pro-Christchurch and realistic and analytical doesn't have to conflict. Just think Christchurch should pick what a city of its size is able to facilitate.

And Christchurch is now aspiring 'to be one of the greatest cities in Australasia, if not the world'. So why the hell not. Are we as a city not allowed to aspire to greatness? As a country, we cannot just let Auckland always take the limelight.

Well I think in a way Mayor Parker has almost answered the question. He says that Chch could hold ceremonies, athletics and swimming could be held in the city with other sports throughout the nation.
He obviously recognises that Chch probably doesn't have the capability to hold the full compliment of Games time roster.

Problem is, the Commonwealth Games are held by a city not a country, it's not like a World Cup.
A national bid would not be allowed, and even if it was, it would never be voted for. Especially with our pretty awful inter city transport systems in this country.

A lot of people seem to have forgotten that in four years time New Zealand will be hosting a juniour soccer world cups which is a fairly sizeable event. Not sure how it compares with the Commonwealth games or RWC. Christchurch will probably play a key role as host.

It's gonna be a gooden, but not not really convinced that it will capture the imagination as much as the Cricket World Cup.
Of course, a multisport event is one that changes a city, a world cup burden can be spread throughout a country

Christchurch will probably play a key role as host.

Well then there needs to be a serious - and quick - decision on AMI stadium, or its replacement.

The Junior Men's World Cup is the 3rd biggest event on FIFA's calendar, so a temporary stadium at Riccarton - where the Crusaders are going (?) - won't cut it.

Commonwealth Games bid urged

A Christchurch businessman and former Olympic and Commonwealth Games administrator is urging Christchurch to bid to host the Commonwealth Games.

Bruce Ullrich, who's been the Chef de Mission of three New Zealand teams to Olympic and Commonwealth Games, told Newstalk ZB it would "put a bit of pressure on, to get the rebuild up and going".

"The Gold Coast have got the 2018 Games, probably realistically 2026 would be the time but my suggestion would be having a look at 2022, but they're more likely to go to the northern hemisphere."

Ullrich says the main problem is the Commonwealth Games have trebled in size with the introduction of team sport, so you can't stage the games without underwriting by the Government.

In 1998, a bid for the 2006 Winter Olympics by Ullrich was aborted.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/6823821/Commonwealth-Games-bid-urged
© Fairfax NZ News

There were some interesting comments with this, polarising views from people in Chch. My favourite though was "Lianne Dailziel will hate this idea because it's aspirational and positive." by Julianne #6

Personally I would rather see a Winter Olympics and a new indoor stadium would help as a venue for speed skating.

^^ I'd say it would be very unlikely that the NZ govt would want to back a bid for an event on this scale until the nations books are in order.

Probably a wise decision I would have thought.

Though yes, what a massive confidence boost it would be for the city if we were to host something like this.