Crowds gathered at Auckland International Airport today to welcome home the first lot of Kiwi athletes after a record-breaking Commonwealth Games.
Athletes representing New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games have brought a staggering 49 medals back - the most medals ever won by New Zealand at an away-games.
Of those, 20 were gold, more than ever before.
Family, friends, and supporters waiting at the gate said the athletes had done the nation proud.
Among them was para-swimmer Jesse Reynolds' parents, Neil and Tracy, who said their son's win was mind-blowing.
Reynolds, who took silver in the 100m para-backstroke, said he was happy to share his victory with his family in New Zealand.
The Commonwealth Games were a different beast all together from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, which he also competed in, he said.
Leuila Mau'u, who won bronze in the super-heavyweight boxing, said it was a thrill to compete against such strong opponents
"It was an eye opener to see the other world class fighters over there, and that I could stand and go toe-to-toe with them," Mau'u said.
Chef de mission Nigel Avery said this year's competitors gave it their all.
Regardless of the result, it was an amazing experience and a great team effort, Avery said.
