Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: December 2009

Some of the items featured in Auckland Deaf Society’s December 2009 newsletter:

During the BNZ nationwide ‘Closed for the Day’ voluntary scheme on November 4, 1009, their staff came and helped ADS by painting our fence.
ADS Fishing Club went out with two boats on 14 November at Shelly Beach. The group successfully caught 40 fish on the day!
A report from SSR on the Northern Deaf Sports team that participated in the New Zealand Deaf Games in Christchurch during Labour Weekend. The Aotearoa Turi Shield was won by Christchurch. The Colin Kay Cup was awarded to Barry Kinnaird. Congratulations!

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Richard Hay

The Ultimate Boat for Deaf Fishers: Richard’s Journey from 5.5m to 43ft!

Richard shares the story of his first 5.5m boat, a favourite among the Auckland Deaf Fishing Club, with trips all over Auckland. But the real upgrade came later – a massive 43-foot ex-Navy longboat, perfect for overnight trips with space to sleep six comfortably. With its panoramic windows offering clear views in every direction, it was an ideal boat for Deaf fishers!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

The ‘Crap Fishing’ Winner Who Let the Marlin Go!

Jonathan, proud winner of the ADS ‘Crap Fishing of the Year’ award in 2000 (and also the winner of the 'Best Man Angler of the Year' award in 2005!), looks back on his time with the club as full of laughs, good company, and weekend adventures. There were all sorts of fish, plenty of challenges and one unforgettable marlin! It happened on a charter boat where everyone took 30-minute turns on the rod. Jonathan just happened to be up when the marlin struck. Over an hour later, after a wild battle, he finally reeled it in. But seeing the marlin up close, he made the call to tag and release. No need for a trophy on the wall!

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: Ruth Jessep

Ruth Jessep’s Long Game to Win the Overall High Series Shield

Ruth Jessep shares her journey to winning the Auckland Deaf Society’s Overall High Series (Scratch) Shield, a title she had been aiming for over several years. The competition runs across ten months, with monthly games and points adding up toward the shield. Ruth placed second at one point before finally winning in 2023. She describes herself as a dark horse, starting with a low handicap and aiming for a minimum score of 160, improving steadily from there.

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Schischka

Fishing Fails: The Infamous ‘Crap Fishing of the Year’ Toilet Seat Trophy

Ever wondered about the meaning behind Auckland Deaf Fishing’s infamous ‘Crap Fishing of the Year’ toilet seat trophy? John Schischka reveals the story behind the quirky frog addition and hilariously recounts why Susan Hamilton, Doug Croskery, and Jonathan Anton earned the not-so-coveted award. From epic fishing fails to unforgettable moments, watch to find out what went wrong!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery

Doug’s Legendary Snapper Catch at Whangaparāoa

Doug won the Heaviest Snapper of the Year in 2005 with a 3.62kg catch, but his personal best came in 2006 with a massive 6.34kg snapper. He recalls the day clearly – a fishing trip out on Whangaparāoa where, after trying a few spots, they decided to try one more. That final stop paid off. Doug hauled in three huge fish that barely fit into his chilly box. The Deaf crew was amazed! Once weighed on land, the biggest snapper came in at 6.34kg. It was his best ‘fishing year’. Doug’s record stood unbeaten until 2019, when John caught a 6.50kg snapper.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From Balmoral to SkyCity: The Rise of Deaf Poker in NZ

Tony, co-founder of Auckland Aces Deaf Poker, explains the club’s two top trophies: the AADP annual title, awarded through league points, and the NZ Deaf Poker Championship, open to all players including Australians and those from other Deaf clubs. The Championship kicked off at ADS Balmoral in 2014 with a big crowd, cameras, and livestreaming. A Friday night pairs event adds extra buzz to the weekend. Now hosted at Auckland’s SkyCity Casino to handle larger buy-ins and bigger numbers, the event keeps growing. Tony also shares how AADP claimed victory in the team event at Deaf Poker Australia in 2018, 2019, and 2022 – ruffling a few Aussie feathers. The secret? Watch Tony's video!

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

John’s Early Days on the Indoor Bowls Mat

John gave indoor bowls a go in the late 1960s and played for about a decade. He started in 1968, the year his team won the overall Jerome Plate. He was lucky to play under Skip Sen Smith, a top indoor bowls player in both Auckland and New Zealand. John remembers how everyone had to dress formally for team photos, wearing suits and ties. Unlike today’s more relaxed style, he believes things were better back then.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Cecilia Waitohi

Hooked on the Spot!

Cecilia never planned to become a fisher. She just tagged along with her husband, William Waitohi, when the ADS Fishing Club was revived. Armed with a big book and no expectations, she settled in for a relaxing day – until William handed her a rod. One cast later, she was hooked! The book forgotten; the fish biting. The real surprise came when the Coastguard pulled up to their tiny boat and politely informed them they were fishing in a marine reserve. “What’s a marine reserve?” Cecilia asked, mortified.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Unknown, Colleen Norris

Colleen’s Bowls Win While Six Months Pregnant

Colleen explains how she got involved in Auckland Deaf Society’s indoor bowls team for the 1968 NZ Deaf Sports Convention in Christchurch. The team was short on players, and since her husband was already going to play basketball, she decided to join. Her mother-in-law came to help look after her daughter. At the time, Colleen was six months pregnant. Despite that, she won the singles, doubles, and team events. She remembers how formal team photos were back then. In the November team photo, everyone tried to hide her pregnancy!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Saturday Showdowns and Online Bluffs: Auckland Aces Deaf Poker

Auckland Aces Deaf Poker kicked off in 2011 when a few keen ADS members decided to try their luck with poker. Friendly games at private homes soon grew into something bigger, and by 2012 the first NZ Deaf Poker Championships were held – now a highlight on the calendar. AADP became official in 2014, with monthly Saturday games locked in to avoid clashing with Friday night catch-ups. The Championships took off, even attracting Aussie players. AADP’s monthly league adds to the excitement, with points tallied toward the coveted Player of the Year Shield. While men have mostly claimed the title, Susan Hamilton came thrillingly close – just three points short. For low-stakes fun, there's always NZ Deaf Poker Online: no buy-in, just bragging rights.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Keethan Sundar, Tony Walton

How Keethan Mastered Poker: Wins, Losses & Lessons

Keethan shares how he got drawn into poker after watching the Auckland Aces play at the old Auckland Deaf Society clubroom on Balmoral Road. From learning the game through his flatmate and an app to competing in both Deaf and hearing tournaments, he’s had his fair share of highs and lows. With multiple appearances at the final table, his poker journey is filled with wins, losses, and valuable lessons!

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

How Auckland’s Deaf Ten Pin Bowling Club Took Off

After a trip to Melbourne, Colleen was asked if there were any Deaf ten pin bowlers in Auckland. That question stuck with her. Once home, she placed an advertisement in the Auckland Deaf Club newsletter to gauge interest. Years earlier, she had bowled casually in New Lynn with a few Deaf friends but this time, the response exploded. Twenty-four Deaf bowlers signed up. They began holding regular Sunday competitions at the Lincoln Road bowling centre. Colleen’s love for the sport also took her overseas, representing New Zealand in tournaments across the USA, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.

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.

Adam Smith

Barry Kinnaird

Basil Kroon

Bill (William) Dennis

Bill (William) Dennis

Cecilia Waitohi

Cecilia Waitohi

Conrad Schiess

Daphne Ward

Darryl Alexander

Darryl Alexander

Della Dennis

Doug (Douglas) Croskery

Doug (Douglas) Croskery

Greg Lessing

Jeff (Jeffrey) Went

Jeff (Jeffrey) Went

John Schischka

Joseph Su’a

Julie-Anne Taylor

Julie-Anne Taylor

Ken Brain

Ken Fuller

Kevin Pivac

Laura Hunt

Marion Bennett

Mary Johnson

Norman Norris

Owen Gibbons

Peter Smith

Rae McKie (Oxspring)

Rae McKie (Oxspring)

Roger Wyrill

Sonia Pivac

Talia Vaka

Trisha Shanaghan

Trisha Shanaghan

Victoria Lessing (Skorikova)

Victoria Lessing (Skorikova)

William Waitohi

William Waitohi

Relevant Links

Auckland Deaf Society

Taonga source:

Auckland Deaf Society

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, ADS2009-12-MJN

Copyright status:

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

Note:

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