New Zealand’s Sports Event Hosting Potential
The Minister for Sport, Chris Bishop, is currently in Paris for the Olympics and has expressed his desire to bring more international athletics events to New Zealand. He mentioned that he is meeting with the President of the International Association of Athletics Federation, Sebastian Coe, to discuss the possibility of hosting top events in New Zealand.
Sebastian Coe, who previously organized the London 2012 Olympics and is currently serving his third and final term as head of IAAF, is a key figure in the world of athletics. Bishop’s goal is to attract more sporting events, especially in the realm of athletics, to New Zealand, and he is initiating conversations in that direction.
In addition to meeting with Sebastian Coe, Bishop has also engaged with representatives of the Commonwealth Games Federation. The federation is currently facing the challenge of finding a host for the 2026 Games after Victoria state in Australia withdrew its bid. Despite initial hopes of announcing a solution by May, recent reports suggest that an announcement may be made this month regarding the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
When asked about New Zealand’s performance at the Olympics, Bishop expressed optimism and mentioned that it has been a great start for the country. He is hopeful for more success in sports such as cycling, athletics, kayaking, and others. Bishop attributed this success to years of investment by the government and sports organizations, as well as the dedication of the athletes who represent New Zealand on the world stage.
The government invests in sports through organizations like High Performance Sport NZ and Sport NZ, with significant budget allocations for both. High Performance Sport NZ received $74 million in funding for 2024, while Sport NZ received $36 million. These investments play a crucial role in supporting athletes and helping them achieve their full potential.
After the conclusion of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, High Performance Sport New Zealand will conduct a review to assess the achievements of New Zealand athletes and determine future funding allocations. Bishop emphasized the importance of national pride and the significance of the Olympics as the pinnacle of sporting achievement.
Despite some skepticism regarding government funding for sports, Bishop highlighted the necessity of such support to ensure that New Zealand athletes can compete on a global scale. He acknowledged that most countries heavily invest in high-performance sports to support their athletes, and New Zealand must do the same to remain competitive.
Overall, Bishop’s efforts to promote New Zealand as a potential host for international athletics events demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence and providing opportunities for athletes to showcase their talent on the world stage. By engaging with key stakeholders and advocating for increased investment in sports, New Zealand aims to solidify its position as a prominent player in the global sporting community.