Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: February 2009

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

At the ADS Annual Christmas Party on 13 December 2008, Ray Jenkin was presented with a new laptop as thanks for his work for ADS over the past 17 years. Paul Walters (badminton) was also awarded the Sportsperson of the Year 2008 (Sir Woolf Fisher Trophy).
The Deaflympic NZ badminton team will be having a BBQ to fundraise for the Deaflympics team. Paul, Michael and Pam will be training hard for the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

Cups, Matches, and Fair Play: Jonathan on the ADS Badminton Club

Jonathan reflects on his time with the ADS Badminton Club, where he not only played but also contributed to its legacy by donating the ‘Anton Cup – Men’s Singles Round Robin’, a trophy he went on to win six times. The club also competed in interclub tournaments alongside hearing players, strengthening their skills and broadening their experience. He also highlights the ‘Keogh Cup – Mixed Doubles’, a fun and inclusive competition where strong players were paired with less experienced ones to keep things fair and enjoyable for all.

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.

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: Doug Croskery

Doug’s Time on the Badminton Court

Doug kicked off his ADS badminton journey in the early 1980s, later going on to represent New Zealand. He trained hard – Tuesday nights at Balmoral with the Deaf Club and Thursday night games at Gillies Ave, often facing hearing players. He prepped for the 1985 Los Angeles and 1989 Christchurch Deaf Games, but by 1988, numbers dropped and badminton eventually faded from the NZ Deaf Sports Convention. Doug adds he never partnered with his wife Pam in doubles as they saw enough of each other at home. Better to pick someone else and keep the peace!

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: 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

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

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: Shona McGhie

Thrown Into It: Shona Becomes ADS Badminton Club Secretary

Shona McGhie never planned on taking a leadership role, but that’s exactly what happened soon after she joined the Auckland Deaf Society. Having previously been involved with the Christchurch Deaf Club, she moved to Auckland after an overseas holiday, drawn by its vibrant Deaf community. Not long after reconnecting with her love for badminton, she attended the club’s AGM just to show support – only to be unexpectedly voted in as secretary on the spot! Stepping into the role straight away, Shona went on to serve five dedicated years with the ADS Badminton Club.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

A Thursday Tradition: How Pam Found Badminton

Pam Croskery shares how she got involved with the ADS Badminton Club. At 13, while at school, Pauline Seddon took her to the Deaf Club. There, Pam met many Deaf people and watched them playing badminton at the Balmoral hall. With a hockey background, she gave it a try and quickly fell in love with the sport. She enjoyed learning from other Deaf players who helped her with tips and rules. Every Thursday, Pauline brought her to play from 5.30pm to 7pm. Pam played badminton from age 13 until retiring at 52.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

ADS Badminton Winners Pins: 1983 to 1988

Pam Croskery explains the shift from trophies to a Winners Pin for the Auckland Deaf Society badminton club between 1983 and 1988. The pin allowed engraved strips for names, years, and event titles, making it easier to record multiple winners. Open championships were included, while interclub competitions required ADS membership. Today, ADS holds three Winners Pins belonging to Pam Croskery, Doug Croskery and Penny Went.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jonathan Anton

Jonathan’s Look Back at ADS Badminton’s Golden Days

Utilising Auckland Deaf Society's Balmoral Hall, the ADS Badminton Club became a popular gathering point. The hall featured four full courts with nets and all the necessary equipment. Many of the players had moved to New Zealand from overseas, including Shirley Withers and Len Cowper, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere. Jonathan briefly served as treasurer and fondly recalls plenty of friendly matches between Deaf teams from Auckland and Hamilton. Great times, great memories!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

Jonathan and Kevin Featured in the 8 O’Clock After Big Badminton Win

Jonathan Anton and Kevin Pivac were featured in the popular 8 O’Clock newspaper after being interviewed while playing badminton that morning. The article was printed and released that same evening. The two often played together and had just come off a tough win the weekend before, taking out an eight-game match at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention.

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: 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.

Brent Ryder