NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Palmerston North 1976

1976 •
  • Deaf Sports
Footage from the sports, meeting, and socialising at the 21st NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Palmerston North 1976.
HomeVideosNZ Deaf Sports Convention, Palmerston North 1976

Footage of the 21st NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Palmerston North 1976, as filmed and edited by Joan Bailey of Manawatu. Sports coverage includes such sports as golf and netball games – (Manawatu vs Christchurch and Auckland vs Christchurch); table tennis, badminton, basketball and lawn bowls. The film includes coverage of a meeting between the regional sport delegates. Teams leaving Palmerston North are farewelled in person by the Manawatu team.

Colin Kay Cup: Most Outstanding Sportsperson of the Games went to Gary Howard (Auckland), with the Aotearoa Turi shield going to Christchurch.

Can you help?

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.
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: 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.

No one has been tagged in this video. Can you identify anyone? Click here.

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Manawatu Deaf Society
Produced by:
Joan Bailey
Original format:
7" 8mm
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, MDS07-02-SPO76
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...

1980s
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Jacket: Auckland Deaf Sports Convention

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • John Mansell
1976
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Palmerston North 1976

The Christchurch team travel to Palmerston North for the NZ Deaf Sports Convention on Labour Weekend, 1976.
Sue Penman
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
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
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
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
2022
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Souvenir Mug: Manawatu Deaf Society’s 60th Anniversary, 1962-2022

Manawatu Deaf Society
2015
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Souvenir Pen: Manawatu Deaf Indoor Bowls Club – 40th Anniversary, 1975-2015

Manawatu Deaf Society
1970-80s
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Basketball Singlet: Manawatu Deaf Society Men’s Basketball

Manawatu Deaf Society
1962
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Framed Photo: Manawatu Deaf Club First Committee, 11 August 1962

Manawatu Deaf Society
1960-70s
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Handmade Athletic and Basketball Uniform: Manawatu Deaf Society

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
2015
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Souvenir Pen: Manawatu Deaf Society 50th Anniversary, 1962-2012

Manawatu Deaf Society
2010
Object – Taonga source: Mary Johnson

Framed Memorabilia: Mary Johnson and her MNZM medal, awarded 2010

Mary Johnson