Melbourne Town Hall to host kiwis

New Zealand will take over part of Melbourne's town hall for a team and supporters' bar and a "de facto embassy" during the Commonwealth Games.

The 136 year-old Swanston Hall will house "New Zealand House", including a bar, giant TV screens and a cafe and will be open to the public 12 hours a day.

"It will be the base for our athletes away from the village," New Zealand team spokesman Paul Ryan told Melbourne's Sun-Herald newspaper.

"But it will also be a big meeting place for Kiwis and Aussies and whoever wants to come in.

"You will be able to have a beer and shake the hand of the latest Kiwi gold medal winner."

The embassy will also be the ticket collection point for the 5000 expected New Zealand visitors to the Games.

- NZPA