A study is to be undertaken to see if Auckland is capable of hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Commissioned by the New Zealand Olympic Committee, the $325,000 study will identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses in the region's ability to host a Games. It will be funded by central and local Government.
NZOC secretary general Barry Maister says a decision on whether New Zealand will make a bid will be made in January.
Next year's Commonwealth Games are to be held in New Dehli and the 2014 Games in Glasgow.
New Zealand previously hosted the Empire and Commonwealth Games in Auckland (1950 and 1990) and Christchurch in 1974.
