John Key

Wellington, March 16 NZPA - The Government has made a decision about whether it will back Auckland's bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but is not saying what it is yet.

Prime Minister John Key this morning told reporters that a conclusion was reached during Cabinet discussions yesterday, but it wasn't up to him to make any decisions public.

"That's a matter for the Sports Minister (Murray McCully). I anticipate him making an announcement on that in the very near future."

Mr McCully said he would meet officials this week.

He would not confirm the decision was to not back the bid: "That's precisely as you described it, speculation."

NZPA sought as estimate of the cost from the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) of making the bid and of actually hosting the games but it has not yet been provided figures.

The Queensland bid for the 2018 Games was expected to cost $14m. The four-yearly games will be in India this year costing $2 billion.

The Government last year provided money to assess Auckland's ability to host the Commonwealth Games.

The $325,000 feasibility assessment was commissioned by the NZOC and was funded by New Zealand Major Events, a unit of the Ministry of Economic Development, along with government sport funding agency Sparc and Auckland councils.

Asked if it there was enough public interest in the games to justify the expense Mr McCully said: "Those are all very good questions that the Government and the organisers have been asking but I am just not in a position to be able to talk to you without going back and having a further conversation with the feasibility committee representatives."

Labour leader Phil Goff said the Games would be a big cost but there would be economic benefits from it. He said the Government should release information about the costs and benefits.

"They can lose money. An event like the Commonwealth Games is a big event we get a lot of publicity out of it, it can bring a lot of people to New Zealand, you have to weigh the benefits against the costs. The Government has that information, I have not been privy to it.

"If it is going to have a net cost to New Zealand in overall terms then obviously you wouldn't do it."

If Auckland goes ahead with a bid it has to file documents with the Commonwealth Games Federation by May 2011. The host city will be announced in November 2011.