1974 British Commonwealth Games

The 1974 British Commonwealth Games were held in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 24 January to 2 February 1974. The bid vote was held in Edinburgh at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games. The event was officially named "the friendly games", and was the last edition to include "British" in the title; the 1978 edition (and every subsequent edition) was simply the Commonwealth Games.

There were 1,276 competitors and 372 officials, according to the official history, and public attendance was excellent. The main venue was the QEII Park, purpose-built for this event, which included the athletics stadium, fully covered Olympic standard pool, diving pool, and practice pools.

The Games village was located at the University of Canterbury and had accommodation in the halls of residence and a dining hall for the competitors.

The theme song was "Join Together", sung by Steve Allen. The event was held after the 1974 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Dunedin for wheelchair athletes.