Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Netball Club, 2001 — SignDNA - Deaf National Archive New Zealand

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Netball Club, 2001

AUCKLAND DEAF NETBALL CLUB, 2001. Competitions Played In 2001: ADS NETBALL TEAM 5th Grade Auckland Netball Competition; RUNNER-UP NORTHERN TEAM, Beat Christchurch ‘B’ 53-8; Lost Christchurch ‘A’ 23-29. (A) Played for ADS Netball Club; (N) Played for Northern only at New Zealand Deaf Games in Christchurch; (A/N) Played for Both. Back Row: Anna Tyler (Team Manager, N), Hayley Jackson (A/N), Janet Martin (A/N), Karla Smith (A/N). Front Row: Ramari Dewes (A), Sonia Pivac (A/N), Sara Pivac (A/N), Sally-Ann Hora (A/N), Victoria Skorikova (A/N). Absent: Nirvana Graham (A/N), Lorraine Butler (N), Susie Ovens (N), Anna Tizzard (Coach/N), Sandahl Wihongi (A), Lisa Alexander (A).

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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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Anna Tizzard

Anna Tyler

Hayley Jackson

Janet Martin

Karla Smith

Lisa Alexander

Lorraine Butler (Waghorn)

Lorraine Butler (Waghorn)

Nirvana Graham

Ramari Dewes

Sally-Anne Hona

Sally-Anne Hona

Sandahl Wihongi

Sandahl Wihongi

Sara Pivac Alexander

Sara Pivac Alexander

Sonia Pivac

Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Victoria Lessing (Skorikova)

Victoria Lessing (Skorikova)

Relevant Links

Auckland Deaf Society

Taonga source:

Auckland Deaf Society

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 2001-P004-ADS

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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