In late February, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) announced they will open New Zealand House, right on the Champs-Élysées, for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
What We Know: Location
New Zealand House will be located at the Marriott Champs-Élysées, as noted in their press release:
"We invite New Zealand Team supporters to share in the excitement of the Olympic Games. Cheer on the New Zealand Team at New Zealand House ... located at the Marriott Champs-Élysées ... while they compete against the world’s best at Paris 2024 "
Interestingly, the Marriott Champs-Élysées is located in a building steeped with French history. From the Marriott website: "Immerse yourself in the historic building where the legendary Louis Vuitton manufacture was inaugurated in 1914. Find the traces of our heritage on the magnificent façade still classified as historic monument.
Located on the most iconic Avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysees, and just a few steps away from the most exclusive boutiques. Blending a noble legacy characterised by fearless and elegant interiors, an immense glass dome, overlooks the lobby."
What We Know: Opening Dates and Hours
New Zealand House will be open from July 24, two days before the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremonies, until to August 11, the day of the Closing Ceremonies.
In the press release, the NZOC notes the Hospitality House will be open daily from 11am "until late".
It is expected that New Zealand House will be open to the public. However, it has yet to be announced if tickets will be required for entry and if there will be an associated fee.
Comparatively, New Zealand House is assumed to have smaller capacity than other Hospitality Houses such as Club France, TeamNL House and Canada House. If the NZOC uses the available indoor and outdoor spaces at the Marriott Champs-Élysées, the approximate capacity is roughly 500 fans.
What We Know: Volunteer Applications are Open
In the announcement, the NZOC notes that the application process for New Zealand House volunteers is now open. From the fine print:
Volunteer applicants must be 18 years of age as of January 1, 2024
New Zealand House volunteer positions are unpaid
Volunteers will be supplied a New Zealand House uniform to wear each shift
Selected volunteers must personally fund their travel and accommodation costs
Lastly, applicants must be EU citizens or residents, or, obtain a "visitor visa" that declares volunteering or unpaid work is the reason for entry.
What We Know: Nearby Sport Events
The closest Paris 2024 sport events to New Zealand House will be:
Archery, Athletics and Road Cycling at Invalides
BMX Freestyle, Skateboarding, Breaking, 3x3 Basketball at Place de la Concorde
Fencing and Taekwondo at Grand Palais
Beach Volleyball at the Eiffel Tower
All of these venues are within a 30 minute walk of New Zealand House.
What We Know: Nearby Hospitality Houses
New Zealand House will be located in the "Central" Cluster of Paris 2024 Hospitality Houses.
Only a 7 minute walk, the recently-announced Denmark Pavilion is the closest venue to New Zealand House. Other nearby venues include: Lotto Belgium House, Team Ireland House, Pride House, Maison Suisse and Team USA House.
Are you planning to visit New Zealand House?
0%Yes! I wouldn't miss it.
0%I haven't decided yet.
We've reached out to the New Zealand Olympic Committee for more details about New Zealand House. Watch this space!