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Story: Swimming

New Zealand versus Australia

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New Zealand versus Australia

In 1912 the Waitematā Swimming Club challenged the Sydney Swimming Club to a contest in Auckland. The two champion clubs met three times over a week and the Aucklanders defeated their opponents 19 points to 14. A number of records were broken during the competition. The events were held at the Auckland Graving Dock (a dry dock for ships). It was larger than other local pools, and served as an amphitheatre for the many spectators.

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: AWNS-19120208-12-2

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

John McBeth, Swimming – Local competition, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/40210/new-zealand-versus-australia (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by John McBeth, published 30 November 2012, updated 27 January 2015.