HomeImagesTeam Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Combined Sports Representatives, 1990
Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Combined Sports Representatives, 1990
AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY (INC) COMBINED SPORTS COMMITTEE SPORTS REPRESENTATIVES – 34th NZ GAMES FOR THE DEAF; WINNERS OF AOTEAROA SHIELD FOR OF AOTEAROA TURI SHIELD (Most Points) – OXSPRING SHIELD (Athletics), COCA-COLA SHIELD FOR MEN AND WOMEN (Ten-Pin Bowling). Birch’s Cup For Most Outstanding Netball Player: A. VOWLES. Kay’s Cup For Most Outstanding Sportsperson Of NZ Deaf Games For The Deaf: F. UALESI.
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Fourth Row: M. ROSE (Athletics, Capt), L. MALCOLM (Table-Tennis, Capt) – F. UALESI (Basketball, Athletics) – B. MacPHERSON (Basketball), W. BROWNE (Basketball, Capt), R. OXSPRING (Netball, Table-Tennis), D. ROBINSON (Ten-Pin Bowling), P. MUSGRAVE (Basketball, Athletics). Third Row: A. PEREZ (Netball, Athletics), T. SIVITER (Golf), N. NORRIS (Ten-Pin Bowling), S. SULLIVAN (Basketball), R. JENKINS (Ten-Pin Bowling), G. HOWARD (Golf), D. PAUL (Ten-Pin Bowling, Capt), B. KATU (Lawn Bowls), G. CLOUGH (Table-Tennis), A. MacPHERSON (Netball, Capt). Second Row: M. BAILEY (Ten-Pin Bowling), L. PIVAC (Ten-Pin Bowling), B. KINNARD (Lawn Bowls), A. VOWLES (Netball, Athletics), E. HINES (Netball, Coach/Plaver), J. PETERSON (Lawn Bowls), T. KANE (Table-Tennis), K SMITH (Ten-Pin Bowling), B. COWPER (Ten-Pin Bowling), C. NORRIS (Ten-Pin Bowling), S. DOWNIE (Netball). First Row: J. HOWARD (Ten-Pin Bowling, Netball, Ass. Coach), M. RAKO (Netball), C. GAYLER (Athletics), N. DOHERTY (Team Manageress), B. KROON (Secretary), P. DOWNIE (Chairperson, Ten-Pin Bowling), P. CROSKERY (Treasurer), F. ROBERTS (Netball) – S. PAUL (Ten-Pin Bowling), H. NEILSON (Netball, Athletics). Absent: R. PERI (Basketball, Coach), M. WI (Basketball Athletics), B. HEWISON (Basketball), B. POUTAI (Basketball), O. GIBBONS (Golf, Capt), J. McRAE (Golf).
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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
