Sport: Australia and NZ ready for Pacific Games debut

10:27 am on 4 July 2015

Australia and New Zealand will make their official Pacific Games debut on Sunday.

Australia's Chef de Mission for the 2015 Pacific Games, Malcolm Page.

Australia's Chef de Mission for the 2015 Pacific Games, Malcolm Page. Photo: Supplied

Both countries were invited to participate in sailing, rugby sevens, taekwondo and weightlifting in Port Moresby, in the first step towards full integration.

The New Zealand men's football team beat Solomon Islands yesterday in an Olympic qualifying match but are not competing in the full Pacific Games.

The Trans Tasman rivals are both a chance for medals in tomorrow's opening weightlifting sessions.

Team Australia Chef de Mission, Malcolm Page, is looking forward to seeing their first competitors in action.

"We're making history - Australia and New Zealand being the first time into the Pacific Games - and I must admit all the other countries are very welcoming and the atmosphere and even the music and the singing that's going on, it's amazing. It's an amazing cultural experience and I'm sure the sport will be just the same."

Malcolm Page says Australia's final group of athletes will arrive in PNG today, just in time for the opening ceremony.

Australian sailors at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

Australian sailors at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea. Photo: Vinnie Wylie