HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention, Hamilton 1980
Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention, Hamilton 1980
AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY Sports Representatives – N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention, Hamilton, October 1980; WINNERS OF AOTEAROA TURI SHIELD (MOST POINTS) OXSPRING SHIELD (ATHLETICS) SMITHER CUP (NETBALL), BOB SCOTT SHIELD (BADMINTON) AUCKLAND LEAGUES CUP (GOLF).
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BACK ROW: D. Croskery (Athletic), T. Siviter (Golf), N. Climo (Badminton), W. Bird (Golf), O. Gibbons (Golf), N. Johnston (Captain, Golf), W. White (Badminton), R. Peri (Athletic), M. Rose (Athletic), D. Hendry (Athletic). MIDDLE ROW: D. Mansell (Athletic/Netball), E. McNamara (Netball), P. Clements (Athletic/Netball), S. McGhie (Badminton), J. Wilson (Team Manager & Treasurer), P. Murray (Chairman), D. Brownlee (Captain, Badminton), P. McCullough (Badminton), P. Weston (Badminton), A. Morgan (Athletic), C. McKeogh (Athletic). FRONT ROW: D. Burch (Athletic/Netball), R. Oxspring (Netball), M. Hogan (Netball), K. McDermott (Captain, Netball), M. Marster (Chaperone), S. Ovens (Athletic), L. Holt (Athletic/Netball), S. Claridge (Athletic/Netball), K. Sedon (Athletic/Netball).
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: 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
A Trophy from His Father: John Remembers the Mansell Cup
John Mansell shares how his father, Clyde Mansell, donated the Chairman Trophy to the Auckland Deaf Society Golf Club. Known as the Mansell Cup, it was awarded for overall points in an annual competition. Deaf golfers played at various courses, and in the first competition, one player even scored a hole in one!
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
