Representing his country at deaf games
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Representing his country at deaf games

Paparangi’s Kaz Witko will be representing New Zealand at the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles later this year.

At 36, Kaz is no stranger to playing sport for his country. He represented New Zealand in table tennis at the World Deaf Games in Germany in 1981 and before that represented Australia in basketball.

Kaz is originally from Perth, Australia, and has been totally deaf since birth. He first became involved with sports through the Perth Deaf Club. Then he played basketball, mostly he says because of his height.

He always had an interest in table tennis and took it up competitively about eight years ago, just after he and his wife Pam came to New Zealand.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Fractured but Fighting: Terry’s Marathon Comeback

Three months before the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, Terry Kane fractured his leg while training at Mt Albert, hitting hidden wood in overgrown grass. With support from his hearing coach, he recovered through swimming, medication, and determination. Despite hot weather and poor air quality, Terry placed 13th out of around 33 runners in the marathon. Fellow New Zealanders Kevin Lawrence and Noel Coventry were forced to pull out, but Terry kept going.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Knocked Down, Kept Running: Terry at Los Angeles 1985

At the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, 24-year-old Terry Kane competed in the 10,000m and the marathon. During the 10,000m, two Deaf Italian runners pushed him, causing him to fall and collide with fellow Kiwi Noel Coventry. The Italians were disqualified. Despite being shaken, Terry refused to pull out. He also ran the marathon, though he didn’t place in the top eight. He recalls training over 140 kilometres a week, with a personal best of 2 hours, 27 minutes and 32 seconds.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

NZ Deaf Basketball Qualifies for 1985 World Deaf Games

In a thrilling comeback, the New Zealand’s Deaf men’s basketball team defeated Australia 72–68 to qualify for the XV World Games for Deaf in Los Angeles 1985. Coached by Aussie-born Jeff, who had just five days to prepare with the team, New Zealand overcame a rocky start and halftime deficit. After a fiery team talk, they rallied in front of a packed crowd – securing their ticket to Los Angeles just 10 months out!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

A Point Away from Gold: Pam Looks Back

A framed photo of Pam Croskery and Penny Went with their silver medals from the Los Angeles World Deaf Games proudly hangs in the ADS clubroom. Pam reflects on that moment and their achievement in the women’s badminton doubles. Players were selected two years ahead to allow time for training. Pam admits she was nervous going to Los Angeles, knowing NZ was a small country with fewer playing opportunities compared to others. Despite this, she and Penny hit top form. In the singles, Pam faced a 16-year-old Norwegian who thrashed them both. In doubles, they missed out on gold by just one point, narrowly beaten by their Christchurch teammates.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

Los Angeles 1985: A Tough Tournament for Jonathan

Jonathan was selected to represent New Zealand at the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, competing in badminton across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Unfortunately, a severe case of the flu struck just before the Games – so bad that he couldn’t even appear in the team photo. As a result, he wasn’t able to perform at his best and didn’t achieve the outcome he had hoped for. After the Games, Jonathan made the difficult decision to step away from the sport to focus on his family, having been playing five times a week while also working full time.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Fighting for 9th: New Zealand vs Canada at the World Deaf Games

In their final game at the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles, the New Zealand team was determined to finish on a high with a win against Canada. It was a closely fought, back-and-forth match, but New Zealand dug deep and came out on top – a result that made Coach Jeff Went proud of the team’s effort. While most of the players celebrated with a well-earned holiday in Hawaii, Jeff and Penny flew straight home to focus on caring for their young child after a full-on stretch in Los Angeles.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Bench: Coaching Deaf Basketball on the World Stage

Jeff Went reflects on his experience coaching the New Zealand Deaf men’s basketball team at the XV World Deaf Games in Los Angeles. The trip began with an unexpected twist when their flight turned back a few hours after take-off due to engine trouble. From grabbing McDonald’s on arrival in LA to settling into life at Pepperdine University in scenic Malibu, the team took it all in stride – navigating the buzz of the opening ceremony and the long daily commutes to basketball practice. It was a journey full of challenges, highlights, and lasting memories.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Back to Auckland?! The Detour No One Expected

Susie’s trip to the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles didn’t go quite to plan. After taking off on a late-night flight, a flight attendant casually mentioned they were heading back to Auckland. Susie thought it was a joke – until she saw the Auckland sign out the window. The Deaf basketball boys had spotted flames coming from one of the engines. Everyone stayed calm, and the group spent the night at a hotel on Campbell Road (now a retirement village) before flying out the next day via Hawaii. A longer trip than expected – but definitely one to remember.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Proud to Represent: NZ’s 1985 Deaf Games Send-Off

Tony Walton, Team Manager for the 44-strong New Zealand squad, recalls the unforgettable send-off for the 1985 World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles. The entire team marched proudly down Dominion Road with a police escort, cheered on by the community, before gathering at Auckland Deaf Society for speeches and food. Their official team uniform was sponsored by Morris Coutts’ workplace – a smart way to save costs ahead of the international trip.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Farewell on Dominion Road: Terry’s World Games Memory

Terry Kane represented New Zealand in the 10,000m and marathon at the 1985 World Deaf Games in Los Angeles. Before departing, the full NZ team was farewelled with a march along Dominion Road, escorted by police, followed by a send-off at Auckland Deaf Society. Terry felt proud to wear the silver fern and knew everyone on the team had earned their place through hard work.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From Engine Trouble to Door Trouble: NZ’s Journey to Los Angeles

After a dramatic return to Auckland due to engine trouble – and a bit of panic – the NZ Deaf team’s trip to the 1985 World Games in Los Angeles was already shaping up to be an adventure to remember. Things escalated after an overnight stop in Hawaii, when Team Manager Tony Walton discovered two athletes missing during the morning headcount. Despite furious banging on their hotel door, the pair slept through it all – until staff were finally ordered to break the door down to wake them! It was a chaotic start to the Games, but the team eventually made it to LA in one piece.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

The Mighty Kiwi: More Than Just a Mascot

The giant Kiwi mascot was a hit with crowds and delegates alike at the 1985 World Games for the Deaf. Carried proudly by the New Zealand Deaf team during team photos, ceremonies, and marches, it drew plenty of attention and added flair to the team’s presence. Tony Walton believes the mascot wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser – it also played a part in swaying CISS delegates to vote for New Zealand to host the 1989 Games. For Tony, strong promotion made all the difference. The beloved Kiwi mascot continued to feature at the 1989 Games and other Deaf sporting events, becoming a symbol of national pride and team spirit.
Kaz Witko
Kaz Witko
Pam Witko (Howell)
Pam Witko (Howell)

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Wellington Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1985-006
Bibliographic source:
Unknown, 1985
Author:
Andrea Blackshaw
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been transcribed and/or OCR post-corrected. It also has been compressed and/or edited.

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1985
Images – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Team Photo: New Zealand Deaf Sports Team, Los Angeles 1985

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Janet Watt
1981
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: New Zealand Deaf Sports Team, 1981

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Milton Reedy
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Susie Ovens
1960-80s
Object – Taonga source: John McRae

Auckland Deaf Society Life Member: John McRae’s pin and badge collection of national and international Deaf sport events

John McRae
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Milton Reedy
  • Pam Croskery
  • John Mansell
1984-85
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Mini Booklet: NZ and USA sign language alphabet, in preparation for the upcoming XV World Deaf Games 1985

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Susie Ovens
  • Pam Croskery
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Badminton singles at WGD 1985: Post-game analysis

Watch the New Zealanders on court at the World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles! Doug Croskery, Jonathan Anton and Janet Watts each give a post-game commentary on the outcome of badminton matches played by Carolyn Hamlin, Lindsay Bamford and Penny Went. 
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Terry Kane
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jeff Went
  • Janet Watt
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

New Zealand delegates attend CISS meeting

The two New Zealand delegates, John McRae and Margaret Coutts, attend the CISS (Comité International des Sports des Sourds) meeting whilst at the Los Angeles World Games of the Deaf.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Pam Croskery
  • Susie Ovens
1985
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Patch: Los Angeles 85, World Games for Deaf

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jeff Went
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Terry Kane
  • Susie Ovens
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Los Angeles 1985: An update from the team manager with team results

The New Zealand team manager, Tony Walton, reports on the team’s results at the Los Angeles 1985 World Deaf Games including where the team stayed and played at.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Janet Watt
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Tony Walton
  • Susie Ovens
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Medal ceremony: Our badminton champions collect their medals!

It’s not often we get to see four New Zealanders on the podium at the same time, and that is what we get in this video! It's most certainly time to break out the champagne when the team gets back to their base with a speech by the team manager.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Pam Croskery
  • Susie Ovens
  • Janet Watt
  • Jonathan Anton
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Kiwi Power! Gold (and silver) in the badminton ladies doubles

Watch Carolyn Hamlin and Janet Watt’s final match in the ladies doubles; they win the game for the gold! In second place is Pam Croskery and Penny Went, both also from New Zealand.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Janet Watt
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jeff Went
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Indoor Basketball: Team New Zealand falls to Sweden

The New Zealand basketball team battled it out with Sweden on 13 July 1985, at Pepperdine University, Malibu. The first half went to Sweden, 81 to 25, before the New Zealanders fought back for a better second half, ending with 156 to Sweden and 74 to New Zealand. It was the New Zealand basketball team’s second loss at the Games, having earlier lost to Israel. They came 7th out of 8 teams at the Games.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Terry Kane
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery