New Zealand (Commonwealth Union)_ The 50th anniversary of the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, is set to be celebrated with a weekend of connection and festivities on the 26th and 27th of January 2024. Exciting plans are underway to commemorate the golden jubilee of one of New Zealand’s greatest sporting events, often referred to as the “Friendly Games.” New Brighton, a seaside suburb, is gaining attention as it hosts a major exhibition dedicated to this significant anniversary.
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The New Brighton Museum, run by volunteers, has diligently assembled a comprehensive collection over the past four months to honor the city’s hosting of the 1974 British Commonwealth Games. Museum president Wayne Hawker expressed pride in the exhibition, emphasizing the substantial interest it has garnered due to the Games’ significance in Christchurch’s history. The museum’s call for Games memorabilia resulted in the acquisition of rare items from all over New Zealand, including old autograph books, event medals, and uniforms from the 1974 Games.
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Hawker said, “We’re absolutely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve for the people of Christchurch who have come to see this event and have shared so many memories from the times that they actually had or were actually involved in the Commonwealth Games in some small way.” Hawker highlighted the museum’s role in preserving heritage items for the future, noting that many donated pieces have become permanent additions to the collection. He said, “We have some special treasures here; a lot of them, which we get to keep, have been permanently donated to the museum. But the role of the museum is to collect this heritage stuff and actually preserve it for the future.”
The British Commonwealth Games exhibition, extending until mid-February, showcases special treasures and includes a display of old autograph books, event medals, uniforms, and a rare Holden Kingswood used by Games officials during the iconic event. The 1974 Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch, New Zealand from 24 January to 2 February, featured 1276 athletes from 38 countries participating in 121 medal events. Popularly known as the ‘Friendly Games,’ it earned this reputation for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The main venue, the old Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Park, with its temporary western stand accommodating up to 35,000 people, holds a special place in the event’s history. Additionally, the special exhibition will also feature the vehicles that were utilized by officials during that momentous occasion. The upcoming celebration aims to bring together those who were part of or involved in the Commonwealth Games in some way, fostering a sense of nostalgia and community spirit.
