The first track meeting of the season was bound to be quiet with many athletes in Christchurch for the Takahe to Akaroa Road Relay, Despite that a number of the sprint specialists turned up including Liam Malone, NZ's own bladerunner and a French decathlete who stopped off for a 100m race before heading to the ferry terminal to continue his cycle trip of NZ on the South island. Even Grant McLean and Andrew Wharton opted for Newtown Park than the glory of Akaroa. The events photographed were all on the track as the centre field was closed for throwing events. Because the grandstand is being earthquake strengthened all timing was by hand which for the sprints posed some minor difficulties in identifying the order in which individuals crossed the finish line.
 |
| Liam Malone (Nelson-Tasman) moved from Canterbury Uni to Victoria because there is no track in Christchurch |
 |
Peter Bailey, Newtown Park stalwart & race walker                                        |
