Five years of build-up are set to become a reality as the 22nd Commonwealth Games begin in the English city of Birmingham.

More than 5000 athletes representing 72 nations and territories will be in the West Midlands to compete in 19 sports and 280 medal events.

The opening and closing ceremonies plus the athletics are taking place in Alexander Stadium while Edgbaston will host the cricket with other sports scattered around the region although track cycling will take place in London.

Veteran bands Duran Duran and Black Sabbath are expected to deliver a few blasts from the past at the opening ceremony before Tom Walsh and Joelle King lead the Kiwis into the stadium as the Commonwealth's athletes join the party.

New Zealand has sent 233 athletes - with a record 54 percent of women in the team. They will be looking to at least equal the 2018 effort on the Gold Coast - 15 gold medals and 46 in total.

The first Kiwi athletes in action are the lawn bowls teams while Olympic bronze medallist Hayden Wilde is a strong medal hope in the triathlon.

Follow all the action with RNZ's live updates.