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An ambitious plan for Auckland to bid to host the 2018
Commonwealth Games is being shot down by the government.
John Key says the country cannot afford the predicted $600 million
losses but games supporters believe it could be done with the right
support.
New Zealand athletes have in the past performed in front of enthusiastic home crowds and Christchurch hosted the Games in 1974 and Auckland in 1990.
And Auckland mayors wanted to bid for the right to host it again in 2018 but the prime minister is saying no.
"Well its very, very expensive and we can't see the economic payback," says Key.
Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says he is disappointed with the decision.
"I think we should make the bid. I've always thought we should make the bid and be in the race I think we'd probably get the Games for Auckland," he says.
But late Tuesday afternoon, supporters confirmed they are dropping the bid in light of the government's decision.
They are disappointed saying it could have been done on the cheap using existing facilities, volunteers and sponsorship. And it would have had big spin-offs.
"We thrive as a nation on tourism and we thrive on showcasing who we are and what we are. These big events including world cup rugby...showcase who we are and bring dollars to New Zealand," Harvey says.
But the government says New Zealand would lose up to $600 million dollars hosting the actual event.
"There's a wide range of issues we have to consider and in this particular one the loss was so great we just couldn't justify it," says Key.
The government is contributing $300 million towards the Rugby World Cup and that is expected to make losses in the tens of millions.
New Zealand also subsidised Team New Zealand's America's Cup challenge to the tune of $34 million.
Auckland mayors believe they could have gathered the cash over the next eight years for the Games too.
"I think it might cheer us up also, in eight years time we might need a bit of cheering up," says Harvey.
However, there is no cheery news in sight though now the bid's off.
What do you think about the government not backing Auckland's bid? Have your say on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentbenrebo said on 2010-03-17 @ 08:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
Auckland has just made a meal out of the rugby world cup stadium, it is in disarray in terms of becoming a super city, and it needs a hell of a lot of infrastructure. Time to consolidate and sort the house out. I'd love to see usain bolt run live but it would be cheaper to fly everyone at the track overseas to see him than hold the games here
Laurie Reid said on 2010-03-16 @ 16:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
It would be the only chance to see Usain Bolt - just voted Sportsman of the Year - racing in New Zealand - so it seems a shame. Why does it cost so much?
slumbergod said on 2010-03-16 @ 16:21 NZDT: Report abusive post
Good move (I can't believe the govt is doing something clever for a change!). Greece "invested" in hosting games and it did nothing for their economy at all. NZ can't even afford the Rugby World Cup at this stage so why be crazy and condemn us to more financial burden.