25 Jan 2024

Christchurch City Council divided on hosting 2030 Commonwealth Games

From Morning Report, 8:26 am on 25 January 2024

Christchurch City Council is divided on the viability of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Despite ratepayers' financial and environmental fears, the proposal to consider throwing the city's name in the ring narrowly passed on Wednesday in a 10-to-seven majority vote.

Councillor for Riccarton Ward Tyla Harrison-Hunt voted against the proposal - he says hosting the event is not feasible while ratepayers are facing an estimated 15 percent rise in costs.

But Harewood Ward Councillor Aaron Keown is in favour and sees the Games as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with Commonwealth partner countries.

Harrison-Hunt and Keown spoke to Corin Dann.