Aotearoa Turi Shield: Total Points – New Zealand Deaf Games/Sports Convention — SignDNA - Deaf National Archive New Zealand

Aotearoa Turi Shield: Total Points – New Zealand Deaf Games/Sports Convention

Presented by Margaret Coutts. 1970 Christchurch; 1971 Christchurch; 1972 Christchurch; 1973 Auckland; 1974 Christchurch; 1975 Christchurch; 1977 Christchurch; 1978 Auckland; 1979 Christchurch; 1980 Auckland; 1981 Christchurch; 1982 Christchurch; 1983 Christchurch; 1984 Auckland, 1985 Auckland; 1986 Christchurch; 1987 Christchurch; 1989 Christchurch; 1990 Auckland; 1991 Auckland; 1992 Auckland; 1993 Christchurch; 1995 Manawatu; 1995 Northern; 1998 Canterbury; 1998 Canterbury; 2000 Central; 2001 Northern; 2002 Northern; 2003 Northern; 2005 Central; 2006 Southern; 2007 Northern; 2008 Southern; 2009 Southern; 2010 Northern; 2012 Central; 2014 Southern; 2016 Northern.

The Aotearoa Turi Shield is presented to the Zone which has accumulated the most points over the period of a New Zealand Deaf Games tournament. Every team receives points in their respective sporting categories (e.g. four teams entered, 1st = 4 points, 2nd = 3 points, 3rd = 2 points, 4th = 1 point). The winner is announced at the Sunday Social & Prizegiving Evening.

Photo shows the Aotearoa Turi shield on the Awards Evening at the 13th Sports Convention in Palmerston North Sports Convention (1970); the first time it was presented. Another photo shows Owen Gibbons from Auckland with Ray Forman and the Aotearoa Turi Shield at the 39th N.Z. Deaf Games in Auckland – at the Auckland Deaf Society Balmoral hall, in 1996.

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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: 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.

Margaret Coutts

Margaret Coutts

Owen Gibbons

Ray Forman

Relevant Links

Deaf Sports New Zealand

Taonga source:

Auckland Deaf Society

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 103-O-ADS

Copyright status:

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

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