The XVI Olympiad was held in Melbourne from 22 November to 8 December 1956 (the severity of Australia’s quarantine laws did not allow the entry of foreign horses so the equestrian events where held separately, in Stockholm, in June). New Zealand highlights of the games included Norman Read (the “Pommie Kiwi’s) win in the 50k walk and New Zealand’s first yachting gold won by Peter Mander and Jack Cropp in the 12 metre Sharpie class.
023:38 (COL) The New Zealand team and opposition team emerge together from building and walk onto the field; the game in action; spectators viewing from the sideline.
026:05 New Zealand team and opposition team emerge from building onto field; brief shots during play.
026:32 Various shots of athletes taking part in events during the Melbourne Olympics; winners on the dais.
028:20 People viewing emu at a zoo perhaps? followed by underexposed shots.
029:32 Man wading knee deep in swimming pool; men diving and jumping into pool; man riding a bike waves for the camera; couple taking off on scooter; other street scenes.
Volkswagon van and car rally; men eating oranges while hanging out the windows of a moving train; country scenes; couple posing for camera; people alighting from a ‘Lewis’ bus;
group gathered on street.
033:40 New Zealand hockey team run onto field; seen doing the haka; street scenes; team in dress uniform pose for camera.
036:28 Last picture frame.
The final placing for the New Zealand hockey team at the Melbourne Olympics was 6th. Games played were:
1. Germany 5 - New Zealand 4
2. Pakistan 5 - New Zealand 1
3. New Zealand 3 - Belgium 0
4. New Zealand 13 - Singapore 0
5. Australia 1 - New Zealand 0
6. New Zealand 3 - Belgium 2