Story: Bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting

Mr New Zealand, 1940

Mr New Zealand, 1940

Lionel Harris of Napier won the title of Mr New Zealand as part of the country's centennial celebrations in 1940. A Miss New Zealand contest was also held, which was won by Joy Asquith of Wellington. The New Zealand Amateur Weight-Lifter's Association organised both contests, with the goal of finding winners who would provide 'an inspiration to fitness' for the people of New Zealand. 

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: New Zealand Amateur Weight-Lifter’s Association programme, national centennial championships, 1940. Lower Hutt: H. & P. C. Print, 1940, cover (S-L-859-COVER)

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Photograph is a detail from the book cover

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How to cite this page:

Peter Clayworth, 'Bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting - Bodybuilding', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/40877/mr-new-zealand-1940 (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Peter Clayworth, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 27 Jan 2015