Families of Team NZ over in the Gold Coast were glued to the TV cheering on our female triathletes this morning as Dame Patsy Reddy officially opened ANZ New Zealand House.
As competition kicked off this morning with the women's triathlon, Kiwi families invited to the NZ House breakfast were surrounding TV screens cheering on their fellow New Zealanders.
In a break for speeches the Governor-General took the time to acknowledge those key to the success of Kiwi athletes in the Gold Coast.
"Family support can make all the difference when it comes to the success or failure of an athlete," she said.
"We thank you for being there for them, for doing the hard grind of early starts and ferrying from A to B – for being nurse, coach and mentor.
"Through your efforts and sacrifices, you have not only helped our athletes develop their potential – you have ensured that young New Zealanders have worthy role-models to look up to."
Speaking of last night's opening ceremony Dame Patsy said New Zealand's entrance was the "undobted highlight" of the night.
"We were very proud to see Sophie carry the flag into the stadium.
"The deafening cheers and applause we heard, made it feel like all of the 44,000 Kiwis that live in the Gold Coast were there too."
Paralympian, and flagbearer Sophie Pascoe's mum Jo and dad Garry were at the breakfast this morning, still revelling in the excitement from last night.
Although Andrea Hewitt, Rebecca Spence and Nicole Van Der Kaay didn't make it on the podium, spirits at NZ House remain high for the rest of the New Zealand team.
As for Dame Patsy, after meeting with Prince Charles and Camilla this afternoon, she told 1 NEWS she's looking forward watching as many Kiwis in action while over in the Gold Coast.
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