Black Gold - Olympics Collection
For a small country from the edge of the world, achievements on the Olympic stage are badges — silver-fern-on-black — of national pride: precious moments where we stood tall and gained notice.
As Kiwi London 2012 Olympians chase gold, this NZ On Screen collection draws on archive footage — some rarely seen — to recall New Zealand's Games legacy. There’s even a revelation of performance enhancing substance use (Fanta) from our greatest athlete in this clip from This is Your Life - Peter Snell.
Eric Young, host of London 2012 Olympic coverage for official broadcaster Prime TV and 2008 TP McLean sports journalist of the year, introduces the collection and muses on the patriotic prod of black:
"Black is not a colour. Nor is it simply an absence of light. Black is an absolute, which, for more than a century, has been the thread, running through our sporting success."
The Glow of Gold (1968) Produced by Pacific Films.
This film comprehensively surveys Kiwi Olympic success to 1968. Footage includes triumphs from running men Lovelock, Halberg and Snell (trying a celebratory haka), and long-jumper Yvette Williams; and podium efforts from Marise Chamberlain, Barry Magee and Barry Holland.