Wellington fields 16 at deaf Games

Sixteen Wellingtonians are part of the 97 strong New Zealand team to compete in the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch. Local members of the team and the sport they are competing in are listed.

Can you help?

NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

Battling the Best in Badminton on Home Soil

With New Zealand hosting the World Deaf Games, Kevin Pivac stepped up to compete in both singles and doubles badminton. Backed by years of experience, he took on top players from India and Denmark. The matches were intense and physically demanding, but it was an unforgettable experience. Kevin also remembers how much the visiting athletes enjoyed New Zealand’s food, especially the milk!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.

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: Terry Kane

From Track to Pitch: Terry’s Switch to Soccer in 1989

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Terry Kane’s second appearance, but this time he swapped athletics for soccer. As the host nation, New Zealand needed to field a team. Several training sessions were held, including one in Taupō. Terry was selected as a reserve for the squad, which was a big change from his usual focus on athletics and table tennis!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt

What it was like being the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team

Janet Watt was the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. She recalls being worried that each player had their own room at the university accommodation; how that would lead to more work for her (and eventually, silver and bronze for the team's players!).

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Michael Lynch

From Rookie to Medalist: Michael Lynch’s Inspiring Swimming Journey

Michael Lynch, a standout New Zealand Deaf representative at the 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch, made waves by winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly. In this video, he shares his journey – from learning to sign at 13 after moving to Auckland to representing New Zealand on the world stage by 18.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

NZ’s Double Success: Pam on 1989 Badminton Wins

Pam Croskery competed in her second World Deaf Games at Christchurch 1989, winning her second silver medal in the badminton doubles with Penny Went. They couldn’t quite overcome England for the gold. Pam also placed fourth in the women’s singles and in the mixed doubles with Wayne Knowsley. In the doubles, Christine Ryder and Gillian Ramsay earned the bronze. Though Pam never played against them due to being in a different pool, she was proud to see New Zealand claim both silver and bronze.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Kicking Off Communication: Behind the Scenes of Football at the 1989 Deaf Games

With just nine months to go before the Christchurch World Deaf Games, volunteers were urgently recruited as communicators in a time when qualified interpreters were scarce. Jeff was appointed Technical Coordinator for football, a demanding role that had him working 12 full days to support clear communication between players, coaches, referees, and officials across 12 teams. He arrived early in Christchurch to help sharpen his communicator’s NZSL skills ahead of the event. While football wasn’t NZ’s strongest sport, the team gave it everything and proudly represented the host nation.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Called Home to Win: NZ Shocks Australia at the Deaf Games

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Susie’s third WDG, but her first time representing New Zealand in Deaf women’s basketball. While on a working holiday in England, she got the call to return home and play. She said yes, thinking she’d head back afterwards – but she ended up staying in New Zealand! Named team captain, she faced the USA in their opening match. Nerves kicked in, and she was subbed off before finding her confidence and getting back on the court. Although the USA won, the real highlight came when New Zealand took on Australia, who had won bronze in 1985. It was a tough game – and New Zealand won 91–65! Everyone was shocked and thrilled. Truly unforgettable!

Chris (Christoph) Blum

Ricki (Richard) Pointon

Relevant Links

Taonga source:

The Evening Post

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, A1988-005

Bibliographic source:

December 22, 1988, p.21

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Note:

Help us transcribe this full article for ease of search and reading! Please get in touch with SignDNA to volunteer. Please note, the item has been compressed and/or edited.