New Zealand has competed in all of the Commonwealth Games since the first in 1930, and has won a total of 656 medals including 159 gold.

In 1978, Nigeria boycotted the Commonwealth Games in protest at New Zealand's continued relations, including sporting contacts, with apartheid-era South Africa.

In the all-time medal tally New Zealand is ranked 5th behind Australia, England, Canada and India.

Notable competitors for New Zealand include Greg Yelavich in sports shooting, who has won 12 medals at 6 games from 1986 to 2010.

Gary Anderson won 3 golds, 2 silvers and 3 bronze medals for New Zealand in cycling.