Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, 1976 — SignDNA - Deaf National Archive New Zealand

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, 1976

AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY (INC.) SPORTS REPRESENTATIVES – N.Z. DEAF SOCIETIES CONVENTION PALMERSTON NORTH – OCTOBER 1976; WINNERS OF CUNNIFFEE CUP (INDOOR BASKETBALL), JEROME PLATE (INDOOR BOWLS); ON DISPLAY – JEROME PLATE. INDOOR BASKETBALL: Beat Manawatu 58-29, Christchurch 56-54. POINTS For 115, Against 83. INDOOR BOWLS POINTS: Auckland 29, Christchurch 24, Taranaki 18, Manawatu 18, Wellington 16, Waikato 13, Southland 8.

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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

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: 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: 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.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

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: 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.

Bill (William) Katu

Bill (William) Katu

Dennis Creighton

Dennis Creighton

Gary Howard

Jim (James) Wilson

Jim (James) Wilson

Jimmy Green

John McRae

Margaret Young

Marion Bennett

Michael Furr

Ngaire Doherty

Norman Norris

Peter Hughes

Peter Oxspring

Reg Leach

Robyn Leach (Harvey)

Robyn Leach (Harvey)

Terry Walbran

Victor Palmer

Relevant Links

Auckland Deaf Society

Taonga source:

Auckland Deaf Society

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1976-P006-ADS

Copyright status:

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

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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