NZ feared it would be subject of Moscow Olympics boycott, says diplomat

New Zealand had feared it would be the subject of a boycott at the Moscow Olympic Games rather than supporting an American-led boycott, says a diplomat. Robert Muldoon’s administration supported a boycott called for by United States president Jimmy Carter in response to Russia invading Afghanistan on Christmas Eve 1979 and used every available tactic to try to stop Kiwi athletes competing.

Luuka Jones propels canoe slalom into the mainstream

Luuka Jones competes in the women’s K1 on the first day of the Oceania canoe slalom championships at Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Auckland on Saturday. The ‘perfect storm’ of a new venue and a silver star could be about to break canoe slalom into New Zealand’s sporting mainstream.