HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Netball, 1977

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Netball, 1977

AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY INC. New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention – Wellington, 1977; WINNERS OF BRIAN SMITHER CUP (NETBALL). GAMES – Played 3, Won 3. POINTS – For 55, Against 18. BACK ROW: D. Burch, M. Masters, K. McDermott, T.Jackson (Coach). FRONT ROW: C.Browne, C.Norris (Captain), J.Hunt (Team Manager), J.Howard (Vice Captain).

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

A Night to Remember: ADS Netball Club’s Burlesque Fundraiser

Colleen shares a lively memory from 1976, when the Auckland Deaf Society netball club celebrated its first birthday with a fundraising event. To make the night more exciting, Doreen Powell suggested a burlesque-themed evening. The team went all in, with costumes and cheeky performances, and at one point, someone’s shoes even flew off mid-act. Colleen dressed as a red and white striped prostitute and remembers the night as brilliant and full of laughter.
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: Colleen Norris

Why Auckland Deaf Netball Chose the Elephant as Its Mascot

Colleen shares the story behind the elephant mascot used by the Auckland Deaf netball team. The team often wore tops with an elephant symbol or brought an elephant soft toy to their games. She explains how the idea came about and why the elephant became a special symbol for the team.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Sharron Attwood

New to the Scene: Sharron’s First Deaf Sports Experience in 1977

Persuaded to join the ADS team for the 1977 NZ Deaf Sports Societies Convention in Wellington, Sharron Attwood, from Whangārei, found herself stepping into a whole new world. She decided to give athletics a go, and joined the team that went on to win the Oxspring Shield! Sharron competed in the 100m sprint, 4x100m relay, shot put, discus, and long jump. It was a great opportunity to meet new people with regular weekend trips from Whangārei to Auckland for training sessions.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

From “Basketball” to Netball

Colleen started playing netball at the School for the Deaf, though it was still called basketball at the time. The term “netball” was just beginning to be used. After leaving school, she joined a hearing club where the old name stuck. When Jan Howard moved to Auckland from Australia, they agreed to put out an advertisement to form a Deaf team. The response was strong. Auckland’s team wore handmade uniforms. Teams also formed in Palmerston North and Christchurch, competing in the Deaf Sports Convention. Colleen later played in multiple Trans-Tasman Games and recalls the hard training, especially all the running.
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!
Carol Browne
Carol Browne
Colleen Norris (Cary)
Colleen Norris (Cary)
Diane Burch
Diane Burch
Janice Howard (Greenhalgh)
Janice Howard (Greenhalgh)
John Hunt
John Hunt
Kay McDermott
Kay McDermott
Mihi (Mihiarangi) Marsters
Mihi (Mihiarangi) Marsters
Tricia Jackson
Tricia Jackson

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1977-P003-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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