The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games opening ceremony was a grand showcase of cultural pride, athletic spirit, and New Zealand’s unique identity. Held on 24 January 1990, at Mount Smart Stadium, the ceremony to open the XIVth Commonwealth Games impressed everyone who witnessed it.
From the stirring Māori performances to the iconic entrance of athletes from across the Commonwealth, the event was a celebration of unity and tradition, setting the stage for the exciting days of competition ahead.
Māori during the opening ceremony of Auckland Commonwealth Games in Mt Smart Stadium.
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The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony: A Cultural Spectacle
Flag Bearers and Athlete Procession
Australian Flag Bearers, Jan. 24, 1990 – Australia’s Janelle Elford & Lisa Curry-Kenny just prior to entering the Mt Smart Stadium for the Opening Ceremony in Auckland at the XIVth Commonwealth Games. © Mark Anning photo 1990-2022
As the ceremony unfolded, athletes from 55 nations paraded into the stadium, proudly waving their national flags.
Among them were Australia’s flag bearers, Janelle Elford and Lisa Curry-Kenny, both accomplished swimmers with multiple Commonwealth Games medals to their names.
They led the Australian team with a sense of anticipation and pride, embodying the competitive spirit that would define the Games.
The national teams entered Mount Smart Stadium, and marched around as they waved to the cheering crowd.
Royal Presence and Māori Welcoming
Representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward played a central role in the ceremony, symbolizing the connection between the Commonwealth nations.
Upon his arrival at Mount Smart Stadium, Prince Edward was escorted by Māori warriors in a powerful display of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
A Māori woman told me that the symbolism of the spear pointing towards Prince Edward’s rear was perhaps not what he would appreciate.
The Māori welcoming ceremony, which included traditional chants, songs, and the ceremonial haka, was a poignant reminder of the deep cultural roots that define New Zealand’s national identity.
The presence of Māori during the opening ceremony was a highlight, with their performances adding a layer of authenticity and respect to the proceedings.
The blend of tradition and ceremony showcased New Zealand’s bicultural heritage, aligning perfectly with the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, which was also being celebrated in 1990.
Australian team at the Auckland Commonwealth Games
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games were a significant event for the Australian team, particularly for its swimmers, who have long been a dominant force in international competitions.
The team was led by two standout athletes, Janelle Elford and Lisa Curry-Kenny, both of whom were chosen as flag bearers for Australia, symbolizing the strength and determination of the nation’s athletes.
Janelle Elford: A Rising Star
Janelle Elford was one of the rising stars of Australian swimming at the time of the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Known for her prowess in distance freestyle events, Elford had already made a name for herself on the international stage by the time she arrived in Auckland.
Her selection as one of the flag bearers was a recognition of her potential and her contributions to Australian swimming.
At the Auckland Games, Elford competed in several events, including the 400m and 800m freestyle. She performed admirably, securing a silver medal in the 800m freestyle, adding to Australia’s impressive medal tally.
Her performance in Auckland solidified her status as one of Australia’s top swimmers and set the stage for her continued success in the pool.
Lisa Curry-Kenny: A Veteran Champion
Lisa Curry-Kenny was already an established champion by the time she carried the Australian flag into Mount Smart Stadium.
With a career that began in the late 1970s, Curry-Kenny had amassed an impressive collection of medals from previous Commonwealth Games and international competitions.
Her versatility in the pool was unmatched, with success in both sprint and middle-distance events across multiple strokes.
In Auckland, Curry-Kenny once again demonstrated her extraordinary talent. She competed in the 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 200m individual medley, winning gold in the 100m butterfly and the 200m individual medley, and adding a silver in the 50m freestyle.
Her achievements in Auckland brought her total Commonwealth Games medal tally to 15, including 10 golds, making her one of Australia’s most decorated athletes in Commonwealth Games history.
Julie McDonald: A Medal-Winning Performance
Another key member of the Australian swimming team was Julie McDonald, a distance freestyle specialist. McDonald had already earned a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, making her one of the favorites in the distance events at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
In Auckland, McDonald lived up to expectations, winning gold in the 800m freestyle.
Her victory was a highlight for the Australian team, showcasing the depth of talent in their swimming squad.
McDonald’s performance contributed to Australia’s dominance in the pool, where they secured a total of 21 gold medals in swimming.
The Australian Commonwealth Games Team: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The 1990 Commonwealth Games were a triumph for the Australian team, particularly in swimming, where they continued to assert their dominance. The team’s success was built on the foundations laid by experienced champions like Lisa Curry-Kenny and emerging talents like Janelle Elford and Julie McDonald.
Australia finished the Games with an impressive haul of 162 medals, including 52 golds, 54 silvers, and 56 bronzes, placing them second on the medal table behind England. The swimming team alone accounted for 45 of these medals, underscoring their importance to Australia’s overall success.
The Australian athletes’ performances in Auckland were a result of their hard work, dedication, and the strong support system provided by their coaches and team officials.
The 1990 Games were not just a showcase of talent but also an illustration of Australia’s commitment to excellence in sport, a tradition that continues to this day.
As flag bearers, Janelle Elford and Lisa Curry-Kenny were symbols of this excellence, leading a team that made Australia proud on the international stage.
Their achievements, along with those of their teammates like Julie McDonald, remain an inspiring chapter in Australia’s sporting history.
A Night to Remember
The opening ceremony of the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games was a spectacular event that seamlessly blended tradition, culture, and sport.
From the moment Prince Edward was welcomed with a Māori ceremony to the vibrant parade of athletes and the joyful presence of Goldie, the ceremony was a true celebration of what it means to be part of the Commonwealth.
For New Zealand, the ceremony was more than just the start of a sporting event; it was an opportunity to share its culture, history, and values with the world.
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games opening ceremony remains a cherished memory in New Zealand’s sporting history, symbolizing the unity and diversity that the Commonwealth Games represent.
All Rights Reserved 1990-2022. Mark Anning was photo manager for the Australian Associated Press team of three photographers and two picture editors at the Auckland Commonwealth Games.
Photos, Stories and Pages in this feature series:
The Ceremony | The Pool | The Track & Field | Jason Statham diving | The Green | The Range | The Ring | The Velodrome | The Picture Editor’s Desk
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