Remember Hayley Lewis and her amazing five gold medals & super mum Lisa Curry-Kenny winning four golds & Andrew Baildon‘s dominance of the pool & Lisa Martin winning the Women’s Marathon & Kerry Saxby avoiding controversy in the 10km Walk & the Women’s Lawn Bowls team & Steve Moneghetti‘s marathon & Arthur Tunstall getting into trouble & Jane Fleming‘s triumph & the 16 year olds: Susie O’Neill, Cathy Freeman and Kieren Perkins? All of that and more in these photos and stories from 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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“The Friendly Games” set a new record of 54 Commonwealth nations participating in Auckland. Twenty-nine of the competing nations won medals. Australia headed the medals table followed by England, Canada & New Zealand.
The Auckland Commonwealth Games 1990 was Australia’s most successful Games to date with an overall medal tally of 52 gold, 54 silver and 56 bronze for a total of 162 medals. Australia’s 248 competitors won almost exactly 25 per cent of the 639 medals available in Auckland.
Ten sports featured in the 1990 Auckland Games – athletics, aquatics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, judo, lawn bowls, shooting and weightlifting.
Triathlon and netball were demonstration events, no medals were awarded. The triathlon was won by New Zealanders Erin Baker (women) and Rick Wells (men). In netball, Australia played New Zealand in a single match on Feb 4th.
The XIV Commonwealth Games, the third to be hosted by New Zealand and Auckland’s second, held the Opening & Closing Ceremonies and athletics events at Mt Smart Stadium. The Media Centre is seen in the photo below behind Janelle Elford and Lisa Curry as they were about to enter Mt. Smart Stadium.
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games hold a special place in New Zealand’s sporting history.
Not only were they the third time the Games had been hosted by New Zealand, following Auckland in 1950 and Christchurch in 1974, but they also marked a significant milestone for both the Commonwealth and the country itself.
Held from January 24 to February 3, 1990, these Games were memorable for their spirit of unity, the incredible performances of athletes, and the cultural significance they carried.
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games: A Landmark Event in New Zealand’s Sporting History
A Celebratory Year for New Zealand
The 1990 Games coincided with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. This added an extra layer of cultural and historical importance to the event. The Games were an opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its bicultural identity, with Māori culture taking a prominent place in the opening and closing ceremonies.
The Opening Ceremony: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The opening ceremony, held at Mount Smart Stadium, was a spectacular display of New Zealand’s cultural heritage. It began with a stirring haka, performed by Māori warriors, followed by a parade of athletes from 55 nations.
The ceremony also featured traditional Māori songs and dances, as well as a tribute to the Treaty of Waitangi.
This blending of tradition and modernity set the tone for the Games, reflecting New Zealand’s unique cultural identity.
The ceremony was notable for its warmth and inclusivity.
Prince Edward represented then-Queen Elizabeth II, opened the Games, was greeted with great enthusiasm. Queen Elizabeth II had officiated at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand.
The Queen arrived after the Games for the 150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi held just after the Games.
Athletic Highlights: Records and Triumphs
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games saw numerous remarkable athletic performances. With 2,826 athletes competing in 213 events across 10 sports, the Games were a showcase of talent and determination.
One of the standout performances came from Canada’s Angela Chalmers, who won gold in both the 1500m and 3000m races, solidifying her status as one of the top middle-distance runners of her time.
England’s Linford Christie, who would go on to become an Olympic champion, won the men’s 100m in a thrilling final, while New Zealand’s own Yvette Corlett (née Williams), a former Olympic gold medalist, served as an inspirational figure throughout the Games.
For New Zealand, the Games were a home-ground triumph. The host nation won a total of 58 medals, including 17 golds, with significant victories in athletics, cycling, and weightlifting.
Goldie: The Games Mascot
Amidst the cultural displays and the parade of athletes, another figure captured the hearts of the audience—Goldie, the official mascot of the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.
Goldie, a cheerful representation of New Zealand’s national symbol, the kiwi bird, brought a sense of fun and national pride to the ceremony.
The mascot embodied the spirit of the Games, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality for which New Zealand is renowned.
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games Logo
The visual identity of the Games was solidified by the official logo, which featured prominently during the ceremony.
The logo, a dynamic design representing movement and unity, encapsulated the essence of the Commonwealth Games.
It served as a constant reminder of the athletic excellence and international camaraderie that the Games aimed to promote.
Queen’s Baton Relay
The Queen’s Baton Relay for the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games was a symbol of unity and tradition, marking the start of the Games with a journey that spanned multiple countries across the Commonwealth.
Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the baton traveled through 26 nations, carried by thousands of runners who passed it hand-to-hand in a relay that embodied the spirit of the Games.
Queen’s Baton from the 1990 Commonwealth Games, Auckland Museum CC BY 4.0
The baton, containing a message from Queen Elizabeth II, was received with great enthusiasm as it made its way through diverse landscapes and communities, culminating in its arrival at the opening ceremony in Auckland on January 24, 1990. This grand event marked the official commencement of the Games, with the Queen’s message read aloud to signal the start of the competition.
The Closing Ceremony: A Farewell with a Future Focus
The closing ceremony, also held at Mount Smart Stadium, was a celebration of the athletes’ achievements and a fond farewell to the participating nations.
It was marked by the symbolic passing of the Commonwealth Games flag to Canada, the host of the next Games in Victoria in 1994.
The ceremony was a vibrant affair, featuring a mix of contemporary music and traditional performances. The cultural significance of the Treaty of Waitangi was once again highlighted, underscoring the Games’ role in promoting not just athletic excellence but also cultural understanding and unity.
1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games left a lasting legacy for New Zealand. They reinforced the country’s reputation as a capable and enthusiastic host of major international events. The Games also played a crucial role in promoting sports in New Zealand, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games were more than just a sporting event; they were a celebration of New Zealand’s cultural heritage, a showcase of athletic prowess, and a symbol of unity within the Commonwealth. The Games were a reflection of the evolving identity of the Commonwealth itself.
As the country marked 150 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Games provided an opportunity for New Zealand to reflect on its past, celebrate its present, and look forward to its future on the world stage.
XIVth Commonwealth Games: the official history, Auckland 1990 – on Amazon
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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