NZ Deaf News: September 1981 (Vol. 18, No. 3)

Some of the items featured in the September 1981 (Vol. 18, No. 3) issue of ‘New Zealand Deaf News’:

The NZ Deaf Amateur Sports Association has a successful trip to the World Deaf Games, finishing 16th out of 34 countries. Robert Algie and John Ooteman both won medals.
Telethon for the Disabled raised $5 million dollars; funds can be applied for in October 1981.
Six people from Manawatu with three other advanced Total Communication class members sign sing a song, “To make a big man cry” at the Telethon 1981 in Palmerston North.
The Taranaki Deaf Club members set up a display in New Plymouth Mall to inform the public of the Club’s existence and activities. They set up a TTY display which was a real attraction to the public!
A new branch has been formed as a sub-branch of Wellington Deaf Society – Hutt Valley Deaf Club.
First New Zealand Deaf Women’s Conference 1981.
Bruce McHattie, NZAD President, raised $1,245 through sponsorship for his 24 hour appearance at the Telethon Headquarter at the Town Hall.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Four Deaflympics: From Judo to Wrestling to Sumo

Milton competed in four Deaflympics before retiring at age 48. His first was in 1989, but he represented Australia instead of New Zealand. He was ineligible to play for NZ under a rule that required six months of residency. Though disappointed, he went on to win gold in the 90 to 100 kg wrestling division. His background in judo helped him succeed. Toward the end of his career, he also gave sumo a go and earned a bronze medal.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

A Silver to Remember: Shona’s Memories from the 1981 World Deaf Games

In 1981, Shona McGhie travelled to Köln, Germany, to attend the World Deaf Games as a supporter, joining Colleen Norris to cheer on the New Zealand athletes. While there, she witnessed the incredible performance of NZ wrestling representative Robert Algie. Though she can’t recall exactly which round, she remembers the electric atmosphere, the huge crowd, and the overwhelming support as Robert battled his way through to the finals. His effort paid off – he proudly earned a silver medal for New Zealand. Shona describes it as a unique and emotional moment.

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt

Establishing the ‘NZ Deaf News’ in 1962

John Hunt's involvement with NZ Deaf News spanned 23 years. Upon moving to New Zealand in 1962, he was surprised to find out that there was no NZ Deaf News at a time where radio and TV (which was inaccessible for Deaf people) were one of the main medium of news. He established the NZ Deaf News publication with a group of 10 people. The first issue was only 8 pages and with donations, the next one was 16 pages. It grew exponentially and was the place to go for Deaf-related news.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Oops, That Was Me! Susie’s Athletics Mix-Up at the 1981 Deaf Games

At just 15 years old, Susie competed in the 100m and 200m events at the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln, with Barbara Hazelwood from Palmerston North as her chaperone. Nervous before her first race, she climbed down through the stadium seats to reach the track, only to be stopped by an official who reminded her to use the proper tunnel like the other athletes. He let her through, but Susie was surprised (and a bit embarrassed!) to see the rest of her heat arrive in a formal line. She loved the deaf-friendly starting system, with ground lights that flashed when the gun fired. But in the 200m, things took a twist. Her team manager mistakenly told her she hadn’t qualified for the final. Later, while watching the race, she saw an empty lane… and her name on the scoreboard. She had qualified after all, but it was too late!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Dressed to Represent: NZ’s Bid at the 1981 Games

At the 1981 World Deaf Games in Germany, Milton had planned to compete in judo, but the event was cancelled just two months before. Disappointed, he still joined the team after Bruce McHattie encouraged him to help with New Zealand’s bid to host the next Games. Dressed as a Māori warrior with a tā moko and taiaha, Milton quickly became the most photographed person at the event. Despite the impact, New Zealand lost the bid to Los Angeles, who offered accommodation and three meals for just $24 a day – a deal NZ couldn’t match.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Inspired by Robert Algie: Milton’s Wrestling Journey

Milton, who competed in four Deaflympics, credits Robert Algie as a major influence on his wrestling career. He was inspired after watching Robert win two silver medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman at the 1981 World Deaf Games. Milton began training in Auckland but only started competing after moving to Australia. He fondly recalls crossing paths with Robert at a 1985 competition in Melbourne, and watching his rise to the 1986 Commonwealth Games and qualification for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which he sadly had to withdraw from after a cancer diagnosis. Milton later visited Robert’s grave in Featherston and remains grateful for the inspiration that shaped his sporting journey.

Anne Stronge

Barry Kirkland

Bruce McHattie

Danny (Daniel) Beech

Danny (Daniel) Beech

Diane Burch

Eddie (Ed) Sedon

Eddie (Ed) Sedon

Janet Watt

Jo Smith (Hussey)

Jo Smith (Hussey)

Joan Fairbrother

Joan Fairbrother

John (Johannes) Ooteman

John (Johannes) Ooteman

Ken Brain

Lois Pope

Lorraine Nilsson

Lorraine Nilsson

Marilyn Welham

Marion Forrest (Butcher)

Marion Forrest (Butcher)

Mary Johnson

Michael Hope

Michael Rose

Milton Reedy

Pat Dugdale

Pauline Sedon

Peg Makinson

Richard Townshend

Richard Townshend

Robert Algie

Robert White

Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Susie (Suzanne) Ovens

Vernon Pope

Taonga source:

New Zealand Deaf News

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DN1981-18-3-MJN

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.

If you liked this, you might also like...

Object – Taonga source: John McRae

N.Z. Kiwi Badge: Worn at multiple international Deaf events: CISS Congress 1953, Helsinki 1961, Washington 1965, Koln 1982 and Los Angeles 1985

John McRae

<img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-johnmcrae.jpg" alt="John McRae" />

publication – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Ephpheta: September 1981 (Vol. 4, No. 3)

St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Tee Shirt: International Year of Disabled Persons, Wellington Deaf Society, 1981

Wellington Deaf Society

<img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-WDS.jpg" alt="Wellington Deaf Society" />

article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

Sports convention for the deaf

Imagine a packed stadium and not one of the 10,000 spectators’ voices heard by the athletes competing. That was the scenario painted by deaf table tennis and basketball player Kaz Witko who travelled with the New Zealand team to the international deaf sports convention in West Germany last year.

article – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Money woes hit Deaf Games bid

The New Zealand team to compete in the World Deaf Games in West Germany later this month is $10,000 short of funds. The 20-strong team is due to buy its air travel tickets and is faced with having to borrow the deficit.

Margaret Coutts

<img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" />

Object – Taonga source: John McRae

Auckland Deaf Society Life Member: John McRae’s pin and badge collection of national and international Deaf sport events

John McRae

<img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-johnmcrae.jpg" alt="John McRae" />

article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly

Mime put to use

Susie Ovens, born 97% deaf, uses mime as one of the many methods to relate to the hearing world. She is also a member of the “Deaf Sign Singers”, a group of 11 deaf people who perform sign language to music.

Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: New Zealand Deaf Sports Team, 1981

Auckland Deaf Society

Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Pennant: XIV World Games for the Deaf, Cologne, Germany 1981

Margaret Coutts

<img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-margaretcoutts.jpg" alt="Margaret Coutts" />

article – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Representing his country at deaf games

Paparangi's Kaz Witko will be representing New Zealand at the World Deaf Games in Los Angeles later this year. At 36, Kaz is no stranger to playing sport for his country.

Wellington Deaf Society

<img width="128" height="128" src="https://signdna.org/wp-content/uploads/taongasource-WDS.jpg" alt="Wellington Deaf Society" />