The president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach says he is open to the idea of New Zealand hosting the Olympic Games.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic committee. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Mr Bach arrived in the country today, and will meet the heads of several sports organisations and top athletes in Auckland and Waikato during his two-day visit.
He told a news conference the IOC had changed and was now open and flexible to any country hosting the event.
"The only offer I can make is if New Zealand is ready to look into it [then] we are ready."
However, New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley said hosting the Olympics would be a significant undertaking and would have to align with New Zealand's sporting, social and economic vision.
During his two-day visit Mr Bach will meet the heads of several sports organisations, including the New Zealand Olympic Committee, and outstanding athletes.
Mr Bach will also visit Lake Karapiro and the velodrome in Cambridge.
