HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sport Convention, Dunedin 1983
Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sport Convention, Dunedin 1983
Auckland Deaf Society (Inc.) SPORTS REPRESENTATIVE THE 28TH N.Z. DEAF SPORT CONVENTION IN DUNEDIN 1983; WINNERS OF BRIAN SMITHER CUP (NETBALL) OXSPRING SHIELD (ATHLETIC) CUNNIFFE CUP (MENS BASKETBALL) OTAGO CUP (WOMENS BASKETBALL). NETBALL – vs Manawatu 19-5, vs Christchurch 20-6. ATHLETIC – Auckland 35 points, Taranaki 11 points, Christchurch 10 points, Hawkes Bay 9 points, Otago 6 points, Manawatu 1 point. WOMEN BASKETBALL – vs Christchurch 38-12, vs Otago 52-6. MEN BASKETBALL – vs Otago B 89-0, vs Hawkes Bay 45-32, vs Otago A 58-29, vs Christchurch 57-51.
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Fourth Row: M. WI (Basketball), N. COVENTRY (Captain Athletic), J. WENT (Coach Mens Basketball), R. MARQUET (Athletic), P. MURRAY (Basketball), D. CROSKERY (Athletic). Third Row: C. HARRIS (Netball – Basketball), S. OVENS (Vice Captain Athletic – Captain Basketball), D. BURCH (Coach Netball – Athletic), R. OXSPRING (Vice Captain Basketball), K. McDERMOTT (Netball – Basketball), M. MITCHELL (Netball – Basketball), S. SKINNER (Netball – Athletic). Second Row: N. NORRIS (Chairman), M. ROSE (Athletic), A. MORGAN (Basketball), E. KLAVER (Basketball), T. KAPITA (Captain Basketball), O. GIBBONS (Coach Womens Basketball), R. PERI (Basketball), B. CLEWS (Team Manager). First Row: C. NORRIS (Chaperone), K SEDON (Captain Netball – Athletic), P. CLEMENTS (Vice Captain Netball), N. DOHERTY (Hon. Secretary), D. URLICH (Netball – Athletic – Basketball), C. SCALLY (Netball – Athletic), P. McCULLOUGH (Treasurer). In Front: T. KANE (Athletic), M. GRANGER (Basketball – Masseur), T. SIVITER (Basketball), W. RONAKI (Athletic), W. KATU (Basketball), B. KINNAIRD (Single Lawn Bowl).
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: 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: 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: Susie Ovens
Susie on the Rise of Deaf Women’s Basketball
Susie recalls becoming intrigued while watching the first women’s basketball games at the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln. Inspired, she teamed up with Rae Oxspring to form an Auckland women’s team in time for the Labour Weekend Sports Convention. Back then, during Rae’s time, it was referred to as ‘netball’. The first competition for the newly created Otago Cup was held in Dunedin, and Auckland won that inaugural trophy. It marked the beginning of a marvellous era – with seven women’s teams competing! Susie fondly remembers one tense match against Christchurch, where an Auckland player accidentally wore a hearing aid. Auckland won the match – and only then did Christchurch raise a protest. Susie laughs, saying it was a bit cheeky: “Why wait until after losing to complain?”
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: 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: 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: 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: Shirley Bregmen
Hard Work Pays Off: Shirley’s 1987 Double Trophy Win
Shirley shares her journey into the ADS Deaf Women’s Basketball Team, reflecting on 1986 as a formative year where she learned a lot under her coach’s guidance. That foundation set her up for a breakthrough season in 1987, where she went on to win both the 'Jim Eaton Trophy for Goaler of the Year' and the 'Gary Howard Cup for Best Women Player'. Playing against hearing teams was tough, but the NZ Deaf Games offered an incredible opportunity to connect with others and build lasting friendships.
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: 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: Jeff Went
Ending the Streak: Auckland Claims the Cunniffe Cup
In 1983, Jeff took the reins as coach of the Auckland Deaf men’s basketball team, with one goal in mind – to win the Cunniffe Cup at Labour Weekend’s Sports Convention in Dunedin. Training was tough, including epic runs from the Deaf Club on Balmoral Road up to One Tree Hill and back. Fitness and teamwork were top priorities as the team prepared to take on Christchurch, who had held the cup for nine straight years. Auckland trained hard and fundraised even harder—hosting BBQs and community events to support their journey. In Dunedin, they came out firing, crushing Otago B 89–0 and holding strong against Hawke’s Bay and Otago. The real showdown came in the final against Christchurch, where Auckland edged out a nail-biting 57–51 win. With a fresh coaching style and new talent, they finally ended Christchurch’s reign.
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: 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: 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: 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!
