New Zealand

New Zealand joined the Commonwealth in 1931 under the Statute of Westminster. This South Pacific nation is made up of two large islands (North and South Islands), Stewart Island and a number of offshore islands too.

The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, 'Land of the Long White Cloud', and the Kiwis (as they are commonly known) have competed in every Commonwealth Games since 1930, one of six nations to hold this distinction.

New Zealand have also hosted the Commonwealth Games on three occasions; 1950, 1974 and 1990. The latter Games in Auckland produced 58 medals for the host nation, 17 of which were gold.

The Kiwis made history in 1998 when they won the first ever Commonwealth Games Rugby 7's gold medal by defeating Fiji in the final. A feat they repeated in Manchester in 2002 with the Fijians once again securing the runners up spot.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) was founded on 18 October 1911 in Wellington and recognised by the International Olympic Committee on 5 April 1919. They are responsible for the country's participation in the Commonwealth Games.

Capital - Wellington

Area - 269,057 sq km

Population - 3,817,000

Time Zone - GMT +12:00

Language - English, Maori

Currency - New Zealand Dollar