Auckland Netball Club’s 1st Birthday

1975
  • Deaf Sports
The Auckland Deaf Netball Club runs a social event to celebrate its first anniversary in 1976.
HomeVideosAuckland Netball Club’s 1st Birthday

For its first anniversary, the Auckland Deaf Netball club, run a social event at the Auckland Deaf club room. Many people take part in the celebrations; an evening of burlesque ‘Can Can’ dancing by the netball girls, cake cutting, a social dance, and performances!

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: 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: 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.
Taonga source:
Janice and Gary Howard
Produced by:
Jimmy Green
Original format:
5" 8mm
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, JH01-01-CE75
Note:
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