In 1974 a litre of petrol was about $1.04. Prime Minister Norman Kirk died in office. Rank underdog Dick Taylor captivated the nation by winning the 10,000 metres on colour television at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games. Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-0 in the FA Cup final.

More humbly, on August 31, 1974, Peter Halikias made his debut for Wellington Olympic Football club in a 3-5 defeat to New Plymouth City at Western. It was the start of a five-decade Halikias family association with, ‘the Greeks.’

On July 2, 2022, Olympic beat Petone 5-0 in the Central League. Lukas Halikias (impish smile conspicuous) played his 49th match for the club - the 20-year old central midfielder raising 700 combined games for the family.

The Olympic club was formed in 1959 by Greek immigrants as Christian Youth FC (CYFC) after the original club Apollon (founded 1953) pulled out in 1957. The club later changed its name to Wellington Olympic in 1983.

As of 30th July 2022, of the 1189 senior games played by Olympic since CYFC entered Central League Division 2 in 1970, at least one Halikias has appeared in 635 of those games. They have scored 109 goals.

Peter, a right back and first Halikias Olympic player, appeared in 72 games between 1974 and 1982. His younger brother Nick debuted in a 2-2 draw against Adriatic on April 5, 1975 and featured in 359 premier games until 1992. 

Nick Halikias, back row, 3rd from right

Peter’s son Maki first turned up for the seniors on August 4, 2001 in a 6-0 win against Coast United. He played 220 games, retiring at the end of the 2015 season but answered the call in the last game of the 2018 season playing alongside Lukas for the first and only time in comparison to their fathers who played together 67 times. Lukas (Nick’s son) debuted out of Wellington College in a 3-1 win against Miramar Rangers on June 30, 2018. 

“It was pretty low key to be fair,” Nick said in the aftermath of the family's 700th combined appearance.  

“We didn’t expect a lot. We got a little recognition from the coaches in the speeches after the game. Every club has families which form their backbone. The Chotes from Miramar are a classic. I’m not sure if it's a good or bad thing, it’s just the way it is.”

Peter and Nick Halikias arrived in New Zealand from Greece in 1964. Peter was six and Nick was three, invited by their uncle and aunty who lived in Mount Victoria.

The Greek community grew quickly, working class in character, and conspicuous for a love of football. 

“We came here for the betterment of family, education, and to work hard,” Nick said.

“It was pretty tough, Mum was a machinist and Dad worked for Ford Motors and then in Government printing.  

“There were a lot of ethnic minorities who integrated into the community through football. We wanted to grow up in a community that worked hard and kept their good values.”

CYFC was struggling in Division 3 of the Central League in 1975. Nick debuted for the seniors when he was 14, a decision made by the club board to blood some new players.

“It was a real baptism of fire. We were thrown into the deep end but it helped build a base of young players who’d be around a long time. It was pretty physical. Refs let a lot go, especially against the Wharfies, but we tried to play attractive football.

“I was a left winger or midfielder. I was quick, speed was a strength, and technically pretty good.

“In 1977 we won Central League Two and got to the first division. It was a bit topsy turvy after that until we finally established ourselves as a central league side in 1983.” 

Only Harry Kotsapas with 380 games has managed more appearances than Nick. Nick scored 53 goals (netting two in a game five times) with plenty of high points. 

“I remember long range efforts, hitting one with the toe against Stop Out at Hutt Raceway, and heading a goal past Keith Brodie who was one of the best keepers in the country against Seatoun. I couldn’t head to save myself.

“In 1991 we won the Central League Division I for the first time. We only lost four out of 22 games and scored 17 more goals than second-placed Miramar Rangers.

Ironically Nick made his final senior appearance in a 1-1 draw against Petone (the club the family would raise 700 games against) in 1993.

With Peter as manager Olympic was blossoming in 1994. They made the Chatham Cup final for the first time, beaten by Waitakere City 1-0 in Napier. All White Noel Barkely scored the winning goal as part of a 31-match undefeated season for Waitakere. Maki was the Olympic mascot that day. The occasion left an indelible impression.  

“It was a big moment for the club, a little bit surreal. I remember we had All Whites Simon Elliot and Stu Jacobs. I got to go in the dressing room and run out on the field,” Maki reflected.

“All I ever wanted to do was play for this club. It was part of my life from birth. I was pretty realistic early on that I wasn’t going to be a pro, they’re a dime a dozen. Olympic was good enough.”

For a long time Olympic didn’t have a home field or a club house. Training conditions could best be described as rugged. 

“We trained at Sinclair Park in Houghton Bay. It was a shocking pitch, just a shambles. If the weather turned to crap we had to find an indoor space to get the ball moving again, “ Maki laughed.

“Simon George found a dog park in Karori. It was concrete. A building Raf de Gregorio owned in Thorndon Quay was marginally better. We’d play five aside on concrete with the windows open while trying to avoid the big pillars in the way. It was pretty competitive.”

Maki matured into a central midfielder who enjoyed “hustle” and “bustle” and could deliver a “good ball.” He scored 47 goals.

The undoubted highlight of his career was the 2009 Chatham Cup final. Despite conceding early, Olympic beat Three Kings United 2-1 at North Harbour Stadium in Albany.
Lukas was the mascot. 

Wellington Olympic celebrate winning the 2009 Chatham Cup

“My wife gets a little riled up when I say the Chatham Cup is the fourth best experience of my life after the birth of my three kids, but it’s true,” Maki said. 

“The relief and elation is indescribable. I remember at fulltime jumping up and down shirtless with George Barbarouses. It was a big day, big night, big everything.

“We’d been waiting a while to get back to that level and had a really good side. We finished second in the Central League but didn’t lose a game. We had four Greeks in the starting XI and three on the bench.”

The winning goal was scored by penalty in the 75th minute by All White Raf de Gregorio (Owner of iconic Italian restaurant Nicolini’s). Maki acclaimed Raf as the “best player I ever played with.”

All White Olympians Kosta Barbarouses and Clayton Lewis were other quality performers Maki shared the field with. 

In 2010 Olympic won the Central League with 16 wins and 68 goals in 18 games. They outpointed Miramar Rangers by four.

The Premier side Lukas cracked in 2018 is a very different beast from that of the past. Olympic (despite its relatively small size) now resembles a professional club. Training is three times a week with most players in the gym. Facilities have improved immeasurably and the social side of things isn’t as vibrant as it once was. A top three place in the Central League is vital as it secures a position in the New Zealand National League.

Last year Olympic won the Central League for the fourth time. They had 15 wins and conceded a miserly 18 goals in 18 games. Jack Henry-Sinclar earned a trial for the Wellington Phoenix. Lukas, a central midfielder with an ability to press forward, blossomed after a slow start.

Wellington Olympic celebrate winning the 2021 Central League - Photosport

“Last season started off with a bit of rotation for me. However, the Under 20 rule for Central League means there has to be two Under 20 players on the field which is good for me”, Lukas said.

“There’s a huge mental side to it that a lot of people don’t comprehend. Every week you're battling for a spot. We’ve got about 25 players who could play anywhere else but they turn up every day doing their best. It’s draining but keeps you on your toes.”

Lukas played his 50th match for Olympic (the families 701st) in the fourth round of the Chatham Cup on July 10 against Napier City Rovers. 

“We won 4-0 away from home. You can’t be happier than that. I knew about my 50th game but I forgot about it during the game. Afterwards I was really proud.” 

Olympic is top of the Central League in 2022.  Lukas scored a goal in their last league match, a 5-2 win against Napier City Rovers on July 24. Last Saturday he netted again as Olympic beat Cashmere Technical 3-2 in the quarter final of the Chatham Cup. 

Liquid sponsors the team. Nick is a founding director of the company. As for the next Halikias Olympic player, Maki is prepared.

“My seven year old daughter is into it. I’d love to help form a girls team like Dad did with the Juniors back in my day. My son turns one next month. All he’s interested in is the ball, which is a good thing.”

Lukas Halikias celebrating a goal for Wellington Olympic - Imray Snaps

This article was written by Adam Julian. With thanks to Steven Robertson.

Article added: Thursday 18 August 2022