 | |
| Host city | Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Nations | 38 |
| Athletes | 1276 |
| Events | 121 events in 10 sports |
| Opening | 24 January 1974 |
| Closing | 2 February 1974 |
| Opened by | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh |
| Queen's Baton Final Runner | Sylvia Potts |
| Main venue | QEII Park |
The 1974 British Commonwealth Games (Māori: 1974 Taumāhekeheke Commonwealth[citation needed]) were held in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 24 January to 2 February 1974. The bid vote was held in Edinburgh at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. The event was 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. The Athletics Stadium and fully covered Olympic standard pool, diving tank, and practice pools were all on the one site. The theme song was "Join Together", sung by Steve Allen. The event was held after the 1974 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Dunedin for wheelchair athletes.