The Australian state of Victoria has been confirmed as host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Regional hubs will be set up in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, with athletes' villages to be established in each centre.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the rest of the events to be held the regions.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol says the announcement is "fantastic" news for Kiwi competitors and sports fans.
"This is another Southern Hemisphere Games on the runway to the Olympic Games in Brisbane 2032," said Nicol.
"New Zealand athletes will have a home advantage with better travel, training and performance opportunities, and only a quick flight for friends, whanau and fans to support the team on the ground.
"It's exciting to focus on maximising the benefits these 'home Games' can deliver, including the opportunity to host pre-Commonwealth Games training camps in New Zealand in the build up to 2026.
"The selection of Victoria also signals a new and exciting approach to the Commonwealth Games. Regional or nation-wide Games are now viable and future host nations can tailor the sports programme to their sporting, cultural and social needs."
Australia last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2018, when they were held on the Gold Coast.
The Victorian city of Melbourne was the host for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The next Games are scheduled to begin at England's Birmingham in July.
