The New Zealand Olympic Committee has dismissed suggestions by a former Indian government minister, that New Zealand was given a bribe to vote in favour of New Delhi hosting this year's Commonwealth Games.
The Economic Times newspaper in India quotes the former minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, as saying New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Britain and all the national Olympic associations of every Commonwealth country were given $130 thousand dollars.
But NZOC secretary general Barry Maister says the allegation is misinformed.
He says the funds referred to are preparation grants which are sanctioned by the Commonwealth Games Federation as part of bids and are provided to all nations on application.
The statement says the Delhi grant has been used by the NZOC to contribute to the expense of preparing and sending a team and a grant from Glasgow, organisers of the 2014 Games, will be used in a similar manner.
