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In February 1950, New Zealand hosted the British Empire Games - now known as the Commonwealth Games - for the first time.
At the time it was by far the biggest international sporting event ever held in this country. Based in Auckland, it took place only a few years after the end of the Second World War and was seen as an opportunity to reinforce New Zealand’s ties with other Commonwealth countries.
Five hundred and ninety athletes from 12 countries competed in 11 sports, watched by a total of 246,694 paying spectators. Highlights included New Zealand’s Yvette Williams winning gold in the long jump and silver in javelin, and Harold Nelson winning the 6-mile race. New Zealand won 10 gold, 22 silver and 22 bronze medals to place third on the medal table behind Australia and England.
The stamps in this series give a taste of the games by showing some athletes in action. The 1950 Empire Games were long remembered as a spectacular sporting event that marked an end to post-war austerity.
Date of issue: 5 February 2025