Regional New Zealand could be licking its lips if the opportunity to host a Commonwealth Games arises.

The man who lead the bid for this year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, believes taking an event like this to the regions is the best way to future-proof the facilities.

Mayor of the Commonwealth Athletes Village Mark Stockwell told Heather du Plessis-Allan in big cities there is a big cost in delivering infrastructure.

"When you do it in a growing area in a regional town its a lot more affording. So the facilities that we have built will be taken over by the council and community after the games."

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH HEATHER DU PLESSIS-ALLAN ABOVE