New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games
# New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games

New Zealand has competed in all of the Commonwealth Games since the first in 1930, and has won a total of 656 medals including 159 gold.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (known as The New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association prior to 1994) is the body in New Zealand responsible for selecting Athletes to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games. The NZOC is a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

In 1978, Nigeria boycotted the Commonwealth Games in protest at New Zealand's continued relations, including sporting contacts, with apartheid-era South Africa.

## Host nation

New Zealand has hosted the Games three times:

* 1950 British Empire Games – Auckland
* 1974 British Commonwealth Games – Christchurch
* 1990 Commonwealth Games – Auckland

## Medals

Historically, New Zealand has generally been 4th or 5th, though was up to 3rd (1950 & 1962), and down to 11th (1970 & 2010) and 9th (2006). At the first games in 1930, New Zealand's 4th position was ahead of Australia at 5th. At the conclusion of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, New Zealand has earned 159 gold medals, 220 silver medals and 278 bronze medals. In the all-time medal tally New Zealand is ranked 5th behind Australia, England, Canada and India.

## Competitors

Notable competitors for New Zealand include Greg Yelavich in sports shooting, who has won 12 medals at 6 games from 1986 to 2010. Rowan Brassey has also competed at 6 games, and has won 3 medals in lawn bowls. Gary Anderson won 3 golds, 2 silvers and 3 bronze medals for New Zealand in cycling. Athlete Valerie Young has won the most gold medals (5) of any New Zealand competitor.

