The NZ Series #13 - The 1974 Commonwealth Games

The 1974 British Commonwealth Games were held in Christchurch from 24 January-2 February 1974. The Games were officially named "the friendly games". There were 1,276 competitors and 372 officials, according to the official history, and public attendance was excellent. The main venue was the QEII Park, purpose built for this event and one of the most modern in the world when finished.

The "Official Xth Commonwealth Game Pop Song" was "Join Together", by Steve Allen and the NZ Maori Trust.

More significant, these Games were the first large international athletic event after the murder of the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The Athletes Village, the Student accommodation of Canterbury University, was temporarily fenced in and guarded for the duration of the games. Only official vehicles and persons were allowed into sensitive areas around the venues and all was guared and protected by people wearing these berets: