Around the motu: David Williams in Christchurch

Could Christchurch be a contender to host the next Commonwealth Games?. David says it could be dismissed as silly season fodder if the ramifications for the people of Christchurch weren't so serious. He says there have been recent mixed messages from the city council with Mayor Phil Mauger's calling for a report, by council staff and economic development agency ChristchurchNZ, on the viability of hosting the Commonwealth Games. The 2026 Games has been rejected by Victoria in Australia, and Alberta, Canada, because of escalating costs. David Williams is a South Island reporter for Newsroom.