NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Lower Hutt 1977

1977 •
  • Deaf Sports
Coverage of the Labour Weekend NZ Deaf Sports Convention at Lower Hutt, Wellington in 1977.
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Labour Weekend NZ Deaf Sports Convention at Lower Hutt, Wellington in 1977. Filmed by Sue Penman who covers the journey of the Christchurch athletes, from departing from Christchurch to Lower Hutt, where the footage immediately covers the athletics, including the sprint, long jump, and relay; and also shows the netball tournament – Christchurch playing Manawatu, and then Auckland.

Colin Kay Cup: Most Outstanding Sportsperson award went to M.Clausen (Christchurch), and the Aotearoa Turi shield to Christchurch.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

A Sleepless Train Ride to and from Wellington for the Sports Convention

In 1972, Kevin played basketball for the Auckland Deaf Society at the Deaf Sports Convention in Wellington, where the team took home the Cunniffe Cup. The Auckland group travelled by overnight train, with one carriage packed full of Deaf people. Sleep was scarce with constant chatting and playing with the lights. Alcohol was banned on trains at the time, but on the return trip on Monday night, a friend met them at Paekākāriki and dropped off a crate, which they secretly brought into the carriage!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Sharron Attwood

New to the Scene: Sharron’s First Deaf Sports Experience in 1977

Persuaded to join the ADS team for the 1977 NZ Deaf Sports Societies Convention in Wellington, Sharron Attwood, from Whangārei, found herself stepping into a whole new world. She decided to give athletics a go, and joined the team that went on to win the Oxspring Shield! Sharron competed in the 100m sprint, 4x100m relay, shot put, discus, and long jump. It was a great opportunity to meet new people with regular weekend trips from Whangārei to Auckland for training sessions.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Dressed to Represent at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention

John recalls how athletes travelling to Deaf Sports Conventions, such as the one in Christchurch in 1968, were required to dress formally, including wearing ties. Both athletes and supporters wore rosettes to show their club. These were removed during games but worn again afterward. On the final evening, swapping rosettes was a tradition. John still has a few at home.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Where NZSL Thrives: The Power of Deaf Sport Gatherings

Tony Walton reflects on the importance of the NZ Deaf Games, once called the Sports Convention, held every Labour Weekend. It was more than just sport. It brought Deaf people together to socialise and sign in NZSL. Local delegates organised the event, while NZDSA awarded the Player of the Year and Aotearoa Turi Shield. A proposal to make the Games biennial was first rejected but later accepted. Looking back, Tony wishes it had stayed annual.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Wearing Two Hats: Shona on Leading NZ Deaf Sports

Shona McGhie shares her experience in the 1980s and 90s juggling two roles. She was both Secretary of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and Administrator of the NZ Deaf Games. As Administrator, she ensured the host city met all requirements to run the Sports Convention smoothly. She organised meetings, AGMs, and worked closely with delegates on teams, rules, and bylaws. Shona held the role for three years, helping keep Deaf sport in New Zealand running strong.
Malcolm Clausen
Malcolm Clausen

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Dennis Tod
Original format:
7" 8mm
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DT10-01-SPO77
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Jacket: Auckland Deaf Sports Convention

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
1973
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention, 1973

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Mansell
  • Pam Croskery
  • Doug Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Terry Kane
  • Shona McGhie
1960
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, 1960

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Shona McGhie
  • John Mansell
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Doug Croskery
  • Milton Reedy
  • Colleen Norris
1977
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, Wellington 1977

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Sharron Attwood
  • Doug Croskery
  • Colleen Norris
  • Terry Kane
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Milton Reedy
1970
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention, 1970

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Milton Reedy
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shona McGhie
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
1983
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sport Convention, Dunedin 1983

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • John Mansell
  • Susie Ovens
  • Colleen Norris
  • Doug Croskery
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Jeff Went
1968
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Group Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Christchurch Deaf Convention Tour Party, 1968

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Mansell
1976
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, 1976

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Shona McGhie
  • Colleen Norris
  • Tony Walton
  • Doug Croskery
  • Kevin Pivac
1976
article – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Twenty First Deaf Sports Convention

This month, the Manawatu Deaf Club will again host the Annual New Zealand Deaf Convention. It will be the twenty-first with over 200 people competing. 160-170 will be from Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Christchurch and Southland. Local competitors make up the total.
Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Kevin Pivac
ca. 1950-60s
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Rosette: Wellington, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention

Wellington Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Mansell
1979
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Sport Convention 1979

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Tony Walton
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shona McGhie
  • Milton Reedy
  • John Mansell
  • Terry Kane