HomePublicationsVXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7-17 January 1989

VXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7-17 January 1989

An in-depth breakdown of the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, 7-17 January 1989. This publication wraps up speeches, messages from people involved, summaries and photos of all events such as the opening and closing ceremony, 30th congress, official results, acknowledgements of people involved. 

  • 4000 people attended the opening ceremony, with 1400 athletes and officials. The biggest cheer was saved for the 113 members of the New Zealand team in black and white who marched in last.
  • The largest team of 230 was from the USA,
  • The all-male Kuwait team, wearing traditional dress at the opening ceremony, made their first appearance at the Games.
  • The Games were formally opened by David Caygill, Minister of Finance,
  • Two hours later, the first sport to take place since the opening of the Games was football between Holland and New Zealand.

Intricate research and reporting by Angela Treanor.

  • Deaf Sports
  • TV/Media
NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Called Home to Win: NZ Shocks Australia at the Deaf Games

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Susie’s third WDG, but her first time representing New Zealand in Deaf women’s basketball. While on a working holiday in England, she got the call to return home and play. She said yes, thinking she’d head back afterwards – but she ended up staying in New Zealand! Named team captain, she faced the USA in their opening match. Nerves kicked in, and she was subbed off before finding her confidence and getting back on the court. Although the USA won, the real highlight came when New Zealand took on Australia, who had won bronze in 1985. It was a tough game – and New Zealand won 91–65! Everyone was shocked and thrilled. Truly unforgettable!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.
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.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Michael Lynch

From Rookie to Medalist: Michael Lynch’s Inspiring Swimming Journey

Michael Lynch, a standout New Zealand Deaf representative at the 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch, made waves by winning two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly. In this video, he shares his journey – from learning to sign at 13 after moving to Auckland to representing New Zealand on the world stage by 18.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt

What it was like being the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team

Janet Watt was the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. She recalls being worried that each player had their own room at the university accommodation; how that would lead to more work for her (and eventually, silver and bronze for the team's players!).
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: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

NZ’s Double Success: Pam on 1989 Badminton Wins

Pam Croskery competed in her second World Deaf Games at Christchurch 1989, winning her second silver medal in the badminton doubles with Penny Went. They couldn’t quite overcome England for the gold. Pam also placed fourth in the women’s singles and in the mixed doubles with Wayne Knowsley. In the doubles, Christine Ryder and Gillian Ramsay earned the bronze. Though Pam never played against them due to being in a different pool, she was proud to see New Zealand claim both silver and bronze.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Capturing History: Shona McGhie on the 1989 World Games Book

Shona served as editor of the “VXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7–17 January 1989” book, created with Angela Treanor for NZDSA. Over six months, they compiled speeches, event summaries, personal messages, and black-and-white photos – thanks to a well-known photographer who covered the Games. The result was a well-crafted, detailed record of a memorable chapter in New Zealand’s Deaf sporting history.
Taonga source:
Shona McGhie
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, SMG1989-001 MJN
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