Gold Coast's bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games has been boosted after the New Zealand government withdrew its support from Auckland's bid.
A projected loss of up to $NZD600 million ($A459 million) on the event was too great for taxpayers according to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, saying the expense was greater than could be justified.
"The issue is what it costs to run the event," Key said.
"It's very, very expensive and we can't see the economic payback."
That news means Auckland's bid is unlikely to proceed and leaves Gold Coast and the Nigerian capital of Abuja as the only confirmed bidder for the 2018 games.
The successful bidder will be named in November 2011 but Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite told AAP on Monday the Gold Coast bid was hindered by the fact that Australia held the last Games in Melbourne in 2006.
"That would be something that people will ask questions about," he said.
"It's not going to be easy because Nigeria, and Africa for that matter, have never had the Games before.
"Every country seems to take their turn ... It's a little bit early. Maybe one Games early."
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