Where NZSL Thrives: The Power of Deaf Sport Gatherings
Tony Walton reflects on the importance of the NZ Deaf Games, once called the Sports Convention, held every Labour Weekend. It was more than just sport. It brought Deaf people together to socialise and sign in NZSL. Local delegates organised the event, while NZDSA awarded the Player of the Year and Aotearoa Turi Shield. A proposal to make the Games biennial was first rejected but later accepted. Looking back, Tony wishes it had stayed annual.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac
Honouring Bob Scott: The Birth of the Inter-Club Badminton Trophy
The Auckland Deaf Society badminton club was shaped by leaders like John Hunt, Laura Hunt, and Des Powell. Balmoral Hall served as the club’s main hub. The Bob Scott Memorial Shield for inter-club badminton at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention was created to honour Bob Scott, a former ADS President who held the role at age 90, just one year before he passed away. Des Powell led the creation of the trophy. Auckland won the first competition in 1968 at the Christchurch convention, and again the following year when it was hosted in Auckland.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane
Donating the Doubles Trophies: Terry Kane’s Gift to ADS Table Tennis
Terry Kane shares how he donated two trophies to the ADS Table Tennis Club, one for men’s doubles and one for women’s doubles. The club held annual prizegivings to celebrate its players. As a former chairperson, Terry helped carry on the legacy of earlier leaders like the Seddons and players such as Rae McKie.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery
ADS Badminton Winners Pins: 1983 to 1988
Pam Croskery explains the shift from trophies to a Winners Pin for the Auckland Deaf Society badminton club between 1983 and 1988. The pin allowed engraved strips for names, years, and event titles, making it easier to record multiple winners. Open championships were included, while interclub competitions required ADS membership. Today, ADS holds three Winners Pins belonging to Pam Croskery, Doug Croskery and Penny Went.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie
Thrown Into It: Shona Becomes ADS Badminton Club Secretary
Shona McGhie never planned on taking a leadership role, but that’s exactly what happened soon after she joined the Auckland Deaf Society. Having previously been involved with the Christchurch Deaf Club, she moved to Auckland after an overseas holiday, drawn by its vibrant Deaf community. Not long after reconnecting with her love for badminton, she attended the club’s AGM just to show support – only to be unexpectedly voted in as secretary on the spot! Stepping into the role straight away, Shona went on to serve five dedicated years with the ADS Badminton Club.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane
ADS Athletics: Oxspring Shield Wins and Unusual Coaching Tips
Terry Kane shares how he got involved with ADS athletics and their consecutive Oxspring Shield wins at the Sports Convention, alongside teammates like Noel Coventry and Michael Rose. He trained regularly on the roads and was often spotted running by Deaf drivers. He says he was as thin as a matchstick back then. A hearing coach joined later, and Terry learned a lot from him. One chilly morning, the coach told them to hug a tree to warm up. Terry laughed at first, but it actually worked. The Sports Convention kept him busy with a packed schedule of athletics and table tennis.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell
Vice-Captain on Court: John’s ADS Basketball Days
John recalls playing for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team, where he served as vice-captain. Their light blue singlets with white ADS letters and player numbers were handmade by Valerie Eaton, wife of Jim Eaton (team coach). The team played in the Mt Albert A league and pulled off a surprise win. They trained regularly on Thursday nights at the Club's Balmoral hall.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery
ADS Athletics Team Dominates the Track
Doug was a regular on the Auckland Deaf Society athletics team from 1977 to 1985, and he made it count. He was a standout in the 100m sprint, the 4x100m relay, where he often placed first or second, and the long jump, where he regularly finished in the top three. For four years in a row at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention, the ADS athletics team took home the Oxspring Shield. Not a bad run at all!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton
Cups, Matches, and Fair Play: Jonathan on the ADS Badminton Club
Jonathan reflects on his time with the ADS Badminton Club, where he not only played but also contributed to its legacy by donating the ‘Anton Cup – Men’s Singles Round Robin’, a trophy he went on to win six times. The club also competed in interclub tournaments alongside hearing players, strengthening their skills and broadening their experience. He also highlights the ‘Keogh Cup – Mixed Doubles’, a fun and inclusive competition where strong players were paired with less experienced ones to keep things fair and enjoyable for all.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy
Shot Put and Squash: Milton at the 1981 Sports Convention
Milton was part of the Oxspring Shield–winning Auckland team at the 1981 Sports Convention in Palmerston North. He competed in shot put and also gave squash a go that weekend, following in his father’s footsteps. In the squash final, he faced Robert Marquet, who won comfortably. Milton took the loss in stride and enjoyed the experience.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac
Jonathan and Kevin Featured in the 8 O’Clock After Big Badminton Win
Jonathan Anton and Kevin Pivac were featured in the popular 8 O’Clock newspaper after being interviewed while playing badminton that morning. The article was printed and released that same evening. The two often played together and had just come off a tough win the weekend before, taking out an eight-game match at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell
Big Ears: The Story Behind the Auckland Elephant Mascot
John was the masseur for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team at the 1977 Labour Weekend tournament in Wellington. That year, Auckland won the Cunniffe Cup in a close match against Christchurch, 66 to 59. The team’s mascot was an elephant, a symbol of Deaf pride with its big ears and a long nose for shooting hoops. John remembers a tough game with constant injuries that kept him busy on the sidelines. He says Deep Heat saved the day!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton
Jonathan’s Look Back at ADS Badminton’s Golden Days
Utilising Auckland Deaf Society's Balmoral Hall, the ADS Badminton Club became a popular gathering point. The hall featured four full courts with nets and all the necessary equipment. Many of the players had moved to New Zealand from overseas, including Shirley Withers and Len Cowper, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere. Jonathan briefly served as treasurer and fondly recalls plenty of friendly matches between Deaf teams from Auckland and Hamilton. Great times, great memories!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac
Kevin’s First Sports Convention: Shot Put and Badminton Success
Kevin remembers attending his first New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention in 1968 at 18 years old. He represented Auckland in both badminton and shot put. The Auckland Deaf Society booked a charter flight for the whole team on a British Viscount plane with four turboprop engines. As was the norm, everyone dressed smartly for travel. Kevin recalls how he managed to win the shot put event, beating competitors who were much larger than him!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery
Doug’s Time on the Badminton Court
Doug kicked off his ADS badminton journey in the early 1980s, later going on to represent New Zealand. He trained hard – Tuesday nights at Balmoral with the Deaf Club and Thursday night games at Gillies Ave, often facing hearing players. He prepped for the 1985 Los Angeles and 1989 Christchurch Deaf Games, but by 1988, numbers dropped and badminton eventually faded from the NZ Deaf Sports Convention. Doug adds he never partnered with his wife Pam in doubles as they saw enough of each other at home. Better to pick someone else and keep the peace!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery
A Thursday Tradition: How Pam Found Badminton
Pam Croskery shares how she got involved with the ADS Badminton Club. At 13, while at school, Pauline Seddon took her to the Deaf Club. There, Pam met many Deaf people and watched them playing badminton at the Balmoral hall. With a hockey background, she gave it a try and quickly fell in love with the sport. She enjoyed learning from other Deaf players who helped her with tips and rules. Every Thursday, Pauline brought her to play from 5.30pm to 7pm. Pam played badminton from age 13 until retiring at 52.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac
A Sleepless Train Ride to and from Wellington for the Sports Convention
In 1972, Kevin played basketball for the Auckland Deaf Society at the Deaf Sports Convention in Wellington, where the team took home the Cunniffe Cup. The Auckland group travelled by overnight train, with one carriage packed full of Deaf people. Sleep was scarce with constant chatting and playing with the lights. Alcohol was banned on trains at the time, but on the return trip on Monday night, a friend met them at Paekākāriki and dropped off a crate, which they secretly brought into the carriage!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Unknown, Colleen Norris
Colleen’s Bowls Win While Six Months Pregnant
Colleen explains how she got involved in Auckland Deaf Society’s indoor bowls team for the 1968 NZ Deaf Sports Convention in Christchurch. The team was short on players, and since her husband was already going to play basketball, she decided to join. Her mother-in-law came to help look after her daughter. At the time, Colleen was six months pregnant. Despite that, she won the singles, doubles, and team events. She remembers how formal team photos were back then. In the November team photo, everyone tried to hide her pregnancy!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane
Ending the Streak: Terry’s Proud Table Tennis Memory
Terry Kane captained the ADS table tennis team at the 1985 Sports Convention in Napier, where they won the Men's Interclub Table Tennis Cup. He also ended an 11-year winning streak by defeating a long-dominant Christchurch player. Terry recalls spotting a weakness in his opponent’s game and using it to secure a very satisfying win!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane
The Rise of Table Tennis at Auckland Deaf Society
Terry Kane, one of ADS’s top-ranked table tennis players, shares how he got involved with the club. He recalls encouraging 26 players to join, with games played on 4 to 5 tables in the old Balmoral hall. It was a popular time, with strong fundraising and high participation. Terry remembers it as a wonderful period. He also talks about the Auckland Adult Deaf Society Challenge Cup, established in 1938, interclub competitions, open championships, and matches against hearing players at Waitemata.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie
Wearing Two Hats: Shona on Leading NZ Deaf Sports
Shona McGhie shares her experience in the 1980s and 90s juggling two roles. She was both Secretary of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and Administrator of the NZ Deaf Games. As Administrator, she ensured the host city met all requirements to run the Sports Convention smoothly. She organised meetings, AGMs, and worked closely with delegates on teams, rules, and bylaws. Shona held the role for three years, helping keep Deaf sport in New Zealand running strong.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery
Doug on Auckland’s Elephant Mascot
Doug shares his view that the elephant became Auckland’s mascot in the late 1970s thanks to ASB Bank’s sponsorship, linking it to their well-known elephant money box. While others may remember it differently, this is how Doug recalls it. He also remembers the Auckland team finally beat Christchurch in 1977, winning 66 to 59 and taking home the Cunniffe Memorial Trophy. After the final whistle, both teams set the rivalry aside and shared drinks to celebrate a great match.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane
Table Tennis Drill Sessions That Paid Off
Top-seeded ADS table tennis players Terry Kane and Lyndon Malcolm were coached by a hearing man, Sonny Rivers. To improve their game, they trained several times a week. Terry recalls Sonny pushing them hard, especially with spin returns from the training machine. Over time, their technique improved, leading to wins against both hearing and Deaf opponents.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell
John’s Early Days on the Indoor Bowls Mat
John gave indoor bowls a go in the late 1960s and played for about a decade. He started in 1968, the year his team won the overall Jerome Plate. He was lucky to play under Skip Sen Smith, a top indoor bowls player in both Auckland and New Zealand. John remembers how everyone had to dress formally for team photos, wearing suits and ties. Unlike today’s more relaxed style, he believes things were better back then.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell
Dressed to Represent at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention
John recalls how athletes travelling to Deaf Sports Conventions, such as the one in Christchurch in 1968, were required to dress formally, including wearing ties. Both athletes and supporters wore rosettes to show their club. These were removed during games but worn again afterward. On the final evening, swapping rosettes was a tradition. John still has a few at home.
