New Zealand competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. For the first time at the Olympics, God Defend New Zealand was played instead of God Save the King/Queen. The New Zealand Olympic Committee was represented by 89 competitors, 82 men and 7 women, who took part in 63 events in 14 sports.

Medal tables

Archery

In the first modern archery competition at the Olympics, New Zealand entered one man in the competition.

Athletics

Track and road

Field

Boxing

Canoeing

Cycling

Eight cyclists represented New Zealand in 1972.

Road

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Track

Brent Pascoe was the reserve rider, but did not compete.

Gymnastics

Men's individual

Sale did not qualify for any of the apparatus finals.

Women's individual

Foote did not qualify for any of the apparatus finals.

Field hockey

Men's tournament

Ross Gillespie New Zealand finished the men's field hockey tournament in ninth place.

Judo

Rowing

1972 was the last year that only men competed at the Olympic rowing events. New Zealand entered boats in four of the seven events. The gold medal won by the 1972 New Zealand eight is one of New Zealand's most memorable performances, and was in 2008 rated by sports journalist Joseph Romanos as New Zealand's best ever team performance at the Olympic Games.

Sailing

Jonty Farmer, Jack Hansen, Geoff Smals and Bryan Treleaven were named as alternates but did not compete.

Shooting

Four male shooters represented New Zealand in 1972.

Swimming

Weightlifting

Wrestling

Officials