Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson confirmed the government was "undertaking a preliminary analysis of the feasibility" of staging a games in 2030 or beyond.

New Zealand hasn't hosted Commonwealth countries for the multi-sport event since 1990, staged in Auckland.

Christchurch hosted the event in 1974, and Auckland in 1950.

"The hosting of the games is a considerable undertaking and a lot of work will be required to carefully assess the benefits and costs associated with doing so before any further decisions are considered," said Mr Robertson, who will be in Birmingham next week.

Games hosts are increasingly hard to come by, with the 2026 event heading to regional Victorian cities after a lack of enthusiasm from other countries.

New Zealand last formally expressed interest in hosting in 2006, but proposed host city Wellington withdrew given the strength of the Melbourne bid.

New Zealand ranks fifth in the all-time Commonwealth medal tally.

Australian Associated Press