Auckland, New Zealand — 19 May 2026 · ONOC Media

The Forum was held during the 2026 ONOC XLVI Annual General Assembly Week (17 to 23 May). Regional Vice President Craig Phillips AM opened the Oceania Regional Meeting, followed by Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare. It was Dr Rukare's first official visit to Oceania.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forum, ONOC President Mrs Baklai Temengil-Chilton welcomed Dr Rukare and the Commonwealth Sport family to Auckland, noting the Commonwealth Games movement continues to give Oceania athletes a platform to compete, inspire and connect communities across continents.

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“Sport unites us through friendship, inclusion, respect and excellence.” — Mrs Baklai Temengil-Chilton, ONOC President

“For Oceania, this connection is especially meaningful. It strengthens pathways for our athletes and deepens collaboration across our region.” — Mrs Baklai Temengil-Chilton, ONOC President

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Inside the Forum, Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE delivered a detailed update on Games preparations, with 65 days remaining until opening. Commercial Director Sharon van Gulik briefed delegates on commercial developments, Sports Committee Member Antoine Boudier presented the Sports Committee Update, and Melody Cooper OLY closed the morning with an outlook on Malta 2027.

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The afternoon centred on athlete voice, government partnerships and high performance. New Zealand weightlifter Megan Signal presented the Game Changers Initiative, and para athlete Matt Levy OAM PLY delivered the Athlete Advisory Commission update. Political Advisor Mike Armstrong outlined government engagement priorities, followed by an update on DFAT, MFAT and PacificAus Sport support for the region in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.

Head of Programmes and Investment Richard de Groen presented the Development Committee Update, then joined Melody Cooper OLY to facilitate the Oceania Regional High Performance and Culture Development Workshop, generating fresh ideas that may shape Oceania team experiences at Glasgow 2026.

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“The way ONOC has led this week, with Commonwealth Sport included throughout, reflects shared focus areas for the region. We want to strengthen pathways and support one another into Games time and beyond.” — Melody Cooper OLY, Regional Development Manager, Commonwealth Sport

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Commonwealth Sport Chief Executive Katie Sadleir CNZM delivered the closing remarks, with Regional Vice President Craig Phillips AM wrapping the Oceania regional meeting. The Forum confirmed strong regional alignment, with Oceania delegates leaving Auckland focused on Glasgow 2026 preparation, the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, Malta 2027 and the longer journey to Brisbane 2032.