The NZOC is welcoming the new Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Strategic Roadmap which provides future Games host cities with the flexibility to be innovative and creative in delivering the Commonwealth Games.
In a series of recommendations to increase hosting benefits and make the Games even more cost effective, whilst engaging new audiences, the Commonwealth Sport 2026-2030 Strategic Roadmap invites future hosts to explore innovative concepts, including multi-city hosting and tailored sports programmes.
The revised Sport Programme affords hosts with more flexibility to choose from a wider list of core sports. This will now include disciplines that have previously been listed as optional sports such as T20 Cricket, Beach Volleyball and 3x3 Basketball. It also allows hosts the ability to propose entirely new sports, relevant to their nation or culture, to enhance cultural showcasing and community engagement.
NZOC President Mike Stanley says the roadmap ensures host cities will receive greater benefits from the significant investment required to host a Games.
“This plan strikes a nice balance between retaining the core values and history of the Commonwealth Games, while allowing future host cities and countries to have more say on what the Games will look like,” said Stanley.
“This is also a really positive step towards New Zealand hosting another Commonwealth Games in the future. The flexibility of both a tailored sports programme and a multi-city approach would be really positive for a New Zealand Commonwealth Games proposal."
Stanley added that while the roadmap does allow for flexibility, sports which are key to the Commonwealth Games are likely to remain, with decisions on the programme to be made by the CGF and the host city.
The recommendation from the CGF is for approximately 15 sports to feature at the Commonwealth Games. There will be flexibility with the maximum number of sports, with athletics and swimming proposed as the two compulsory sports. This is due to their historical place on the programme since 1930 and based on universality, participation, broadcasting, spectator interest, Para inclusion and gender balance.
The CGF will continue to work with future hosts to agree the minimum and maximum cap on athlete numbers, helping ensure that the size, scale and cost of the multi-sport event is continually optimised and carefully managed.
Coupled with a strong proposition for prospective hosts, the roadmap will allow a more sustainable long-term agenda, with increased awareness of how sport and culture can positively impact communities. Amongst other approved recommendations, the Strategic Roadmap has outlined that:
An integrated Para sport programme must remain a key, focal part of the Games
Future potential hosts would be encouraged to consider alternative Athlete Village solutions, rather than being required to accommodate athletes in a new build environment or on a single site
International Federations would be encouraged to propose new innovations and sports/disciplines to drive growth and youth engagement
The Federation will continue to prioritise sustainability, social purpose and legacy planning as part of discussions with potential hosts
Hosts would be encouraged to consider mass participation events as part of their health and well-being programmes
The Strategic Roadmap was approved by the Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) at the 2021 CGF General Assembly, which was held virtually overnight NZT.
New Zealand has hosted three editions of the Commonwealth Games, Auckland 1950, Christchurch 1974, and Auckland 1990.
To view the 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap recommendations summary, please click here.
About the CGF
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement. Through sport, the CGF builds peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.
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