HomeImagesNew Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association, Executive Council Members, 1987-1989

New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association, Executive Council Members, 1987-1989

Margaret Coutts (Executive Delegate), Robert Cameron (Honorary Treasurer), Norman Norris (Executive Delegate), Roy Williams (Executive Delegate), Royce Flynn (Vice-President), Jeff Went (Executive Delegate), Tony Walton (President), Shona McGhie (Honorary Secretary), Suzanne Hanson (Executive Delegate). 16TH WORLD GAMES FOR THE DEAF, CHRISTCHURCH 1989.

  • Deaf Organisations
  • Deaf Sports

Can you help?

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

From Supporter to Secretary: Shona McGhie’s NZDSA Story

Shona McGhie shares how she became involved with the NZ Deaf Sports Association after attending the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln as a supporter. Inspired, she accepted an invitation from Norman to observe an NZDSA executive meeting. They were looking for a new secretary, as Margaret Coutts had joined the organising committee for the 1989 Games. Shona was nervous but took on the role. She worked with basic green-and-black screen computers, fax machines, and letters. It was a demanding period, especially with the 1989 World Deaf Games ahead. Shona stayed in the role until 1996.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Whirlwind Era: Shona McGhie Reflects on Her Time with NZDSA

Shona McGhie describes her time as Secretary of the NZ Deaf Sports Association during the 1989 World Deaf Games as a whirlwind. She says Aotearoa was lucky to host the event at the right time with the right people. Margaret Coutts, with early support from her husband before his passing, played a key role in bringing the Games to New Zealand. A close neighbour and mentor, Margaret encouraged Shona to get involved and taught her the ropes as former NZDSA Secretary. After years of service, Shona stepped down in 1996 and was honoured with life membership at the Auckland Deaf Club.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.
Jeff (Jeffrey) Went
Jeff (Jeffrey) Went
Margaret Coutts
Margaret Coutts
Norman Norris
Norman Norris
Robert Cameron
Robert Cameron
Roy Williams
Roy Williams
Royce Flynn
Royce Flynn
Shona McGhie
Shona McGhie
Suzanne Hanson
Suzanne Hanson
Tony (Anthony) Walton
Tony (Anthony) Walton
Taonga source:
Margaret Coutts
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 1989-P002-MC
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

If you liked this, you might also like...

Est. 1991
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

New Zealand Deaf Sports Association: Dunedin Superstrike, Most Outstanding Player

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
  • Ruth Jessep
1989
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Key Ring: 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

CISS World Deaf Games Accreditation Card: Barbara Hazelwood, Team Manager, Basketball

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Badge: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
1989
Object – Taonga source: Lorraine Butler

Bronze Medal: Women’s Basketball, 16th World Deaf Games, Christchurch

Lorraine Butler
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
  • Shirley Bregmen
1989
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Bronze Medallists from Auckland Deaf Society: New Zealand Deaf Women’s Basketball Team

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • John Mansell
  • Shirley Bregmen
  • Doug Croskery
  • Susie Ovens
1988
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

Wellington fields 16 at deaf Games

Sixteen Wellingtonians are part of the 97 strong New Zealand team to compete in the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch. Local members of the team and the sport they are competing in are listed.
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Tony Walton
  • Terry Kane
  • Janet Watt
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
  • Michael Lynch
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Tee Shirt: INTERPRETER, XI World Games for the Deaf

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Janet Watt
1980-90s
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Key Ring: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
Est. 1990
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Women’s Ten Pin Bowling Interclub: New Zealand Games for the Deaf

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
  • Ruth Jessep
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Vintage Clock Tea Caddy Spoon: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie