HomePublicationsNFD Communicate: Spring 1997

NFD Communicate: Spring 1997

Some of the items featured in the Spring 1997 (Vol. 7, No. 1) Issue of ‘NFD Communicate’:

  • The cover is painted by Abbie Twiss, a section of a painting of a deaf group and refers to the changes among the deaf adult community. 
  • New Zealand’s first university course taught entirely in NZSL began at VUW in August with an intake of sixteen deaf students. 
  • An advertisement for an interpreted performance of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at Aotea Centre, Auckland.  
  • Peter Murray travelled with the New Zealand group to the 18th World Games for the Deaf, Denmark. Peter was the first Southern Hemisphere referee ever to officiate at the WGD. Kevin had to pull out after the 30km marathon due to a pulled hamstring.
  • Deaf Organisations
  • TV/Media
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Big Ears: The Story Behind the Auckland Elephant Mascot

John was the masseur for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team at the 1977 Labour Weekend tournament in Wellington. That year, Auckland won the Cunniffe Cup in a close match against Christchurch, 66 to 59. The team’s mascot was an elephant, a symbol of Deaf pride with its big ears and a long nose for shooting hoops. John remembers a tough game with constant injuries that kept him busy on the sidelines. He says Deep Heat saved the day!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Doug Croskery

Doug on Auckland’s Elephant Mascot

Doug shares his view that the elephant became Auckland’s mascot in the late 1970s thanks to ASB Bank’s sponsorship, linking it to their well-known elephant money box. While others may remember it differently, this is how Doug recalls it. He also remembers the Auckland team finally beat Christchurch in 1977, winning 66 to 59 and taking home the Cunniffe Memorial Trophy. After the final whistle, both teams set the rivalry aside and shared drinks to celebrate a great match.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Vice-Captain on Court: John’s ADS Basketball Days

John recalls playing for the Auckland Deaf Society basketball team, where he served as vice-captain. Their light blue singlets with white ADS letters and player numbers were handmade by Valerie Eaton, wife of Jim Eaton (team coach). The team played in the Mt Albert A league and pulled off a surprise win. They trained regularly on Thursday nights at the Club's Balmoral hall.
Taonga source:
National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, NFDC1997-7-1-MJN
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