What was the legacy of the Christchurch Commonwealth Games?
By Lee Kenny:
Talk of Christchurch stepping in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games has rekindled memories of when the Garden City staged the event almost 50 years ago.
Mayor Phil Mauger says the tournament should be brought to Canterbury but other city leaders disagree - read the full story about that in The Press.
So what was the legacy of the tenth British Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch from January 24 to February 2, 1974?
The tournament saw 1276 athletes from 38 countries take part in 121 medal events. They stayed in the student accommodation at University of Canterbury.
In June 1974, The Press published that the Christchurch City Council had blown its budget, with one of the largest contributors being the overspend on the QEII, which cost five times the initial $20,300 cost.
The final bill was $101,821 ($1.3m today).
However, the sports facility needed a major upgrade 26 years later after falling into disrepair.
Speaking in 1999, council staff said that the construction of the pool and stadium had been rushed to ensure completion for the Games.
“The low quality of finish, and lack of maintenance over the intervening years, had left the building in poor repair. Several health and safety risks had been identified,” The Press reported at the time.
In 2000, work began on the site’s $20.7 million revamp but just over a decade later, it was announced the whole QEII Park and complex would be demolished.
News reports in April 2012 confirmed the site would be knocked down, having been closed since the February 22 earthquake the year before.
A new facility - Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre - opened on part of the site in May 2018 at a cost of $38.6m.
Other Christchurch venues for the 1974 games included Cowles Stadium in Aranui and Woolston Working Men’s Club which staged the bowls' tournament.
The Town Hall hosted weightlifting and wrestling. Road cyclists raced around Cashmere, Beckenham and Huntsbury, and the shooting was split between West Melton, Yaldhurst and McLeans Island.
During the Games, New Zealand won a total of 35 medals (nine gold, eight silver and 18 bronze), compared to last year’s Commonwealth Games (Birmingham 2022) when Kiwi athletes brought home a medal haul of 49.
Do you have a quick question for a lawyer?
On Thursday each week we hold free lawyer clinics.
These clinics allow you to see a lawyer at no cost for 10 mins. So, if you need help understanding a legal document or deciding whether to pursue a legal case, then this is a great starting point.
- 1pm - 133 Brighton Mall (entrance on Union Street, SBA office) – 03 366 6490
- 6.15pm - 8 Goulding Ave (Hornby community centre) – 03 349 5236
You will be given a number when you arrive, so everyone is seen in order and usually the lawyer can see 5-7 clients.
If you need a specialist lawyer or advisor for immigration, employment or ACC then email christchurchclinics@outlook.com to make an appointment with the separate clinics.
Why are ghosts such bad liars?
...You can see right through them.
No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.
So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...
A message from Christchurch Police
Christchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.
When Police came to the window, four children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were seen in the back and front passenger seats with their car seats incorrectly fitted.
The driver was issued a formal warning and an infringement notice. Police are working with the driver around the correct way to secure seats, secure the children, and making sure they have the right seat for their size.
Inspector Ash Tabb says, ensuring car seats are properly attached and kids are properly restrained is essential in reducing the risk of serious injuries or worse if a crash occurs.
“I am glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences; not only were the kids not properly restrained, but the vehicle was also travelling almost 20 kmh above the speed limit, two of four known crash and serious crash contributors, labelled RIDS (Restraints, Impairment, Distraction, and Speed).
"We understand parents, and caregivers may not know what the right seat is, or how to attach it correctly for your child. There are several services available to assist people with this, including child restraint technicians who can provide advice on what restraint may be needed. They can also help you fit them to your vehicle,” Inspector Tabb says.
Check out Whānau Āwhina Plunket website here.
Or the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.
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