2022
NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt
Teaching sign language in preparation for the Christchurch 1989 World Deaf Games
Once New Zealand was awarded the host of the XVIth World Deaf Games at Los Angeles 1985, there was a realisation that sign language classes needed to commence in preparation for Christchurch 1989.
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
TVNZ coverage of the 16th World Games for the Deaf
Professional coverage of the first few days of sports at the 16th World Games for the Deaf held in Christchurch in January 1989. Events are covered in detail and presented by the News Review weekly round up.
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
Handheld footage of the closing ceremony of the 16th World Games for the Deaf
Handheld footage from the stadium shows the closing ceremony of the 16th World Games for the Deaf held in Christchurch. Athletes parade into the stadium to witness closing speeches with their family and fans looking on.
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
NZ vs Sweden Men’s Basketball at WGD in Christchurch
Edited crowd-shot footage of the men’s basketball heat at the World Games for the Deaf 1989, between New Zealand and Sweden. Sweden won the match 126-61.
1989
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Interview with I. King Jordan about Deaf education
The first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, I. King Jordan, is visiting Christchurch, New Zealand for the World Games of the Deaf in January 1989. Dr King Jordan is interviewed about the changes he has implemented at Gallaudet University, and Deaf education in NZ.
1985
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Spring 1985 (Vol. 22, No. 2)
1989
publication – Taonga source: Deaf Sports New Zealand
New Zealand Deaf Sports Team: XVIth World Games for the Deaf
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
News Review update on finals at 1989 World Games for the Deaf
News Review presents a round-up of coverage of the 1989 World Games for the Deaf including a feature on a Deaf-blind wrestler, as well as the closing stages of games in the men’s football, volleyball and basketball.
1983
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: October 1983 (Vol. 20, No. 4)
1989
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
New Zealand Deaf News: Winter 1989 (Vol. 23. No. 2)
1989
video – Taonga source: Kerry Titcombe
16th World Games for Deaf – News Review segment
News Review coverage of the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch 1989.
1988
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: December 1988 (Vol. 2, No. 4)
1983
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: January 1983 (Vol. 20, No. 1)
1989
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Autumn 1989 (Vol. 23. No. 1)
1989
article – Taonga source: The Press
World Games for the Deaf: Monday 16 January 1989
A full page update from The Press, on the results from the World Games for the Deaf - Monday 16 January. N.Z. takes silver in marathon; double points for Italians in cycling; Finland retains volleyball title; Japan dominates; German team has full financial support.
1986
video – Taonga source: Ngaire Doherty
A ‘Mime and Masks’ show by Deaf Drama Group: A Visit to Kiwiland
A Deaf Drama group perfoms 'A Visit to Kiwiland' at Kelston with supporting acts by the Sign Singers. The evening fundraised $766.00 towards the purchase of a TTY and to sponsor two pupils from Kelston to attend the World Deaf Games in Christchurch 1989.
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: September 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 3)
1998
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section
Memories of Dennis Robinson
Dennis talks about his past struggles and joys in life, his love of ten pin bowling and travel, punctuated with jokes and stories.
2022
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!).
1989
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch
Opening ceremony and events at the 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989.
2020
video – Taonga source: Elizabeth Hines
Memories of triple World Deaf Games champion John Ooteman
New Zealand’s most acclaimed Deaf gold medallist, John Ooteman was a triple World Games for the Deaf champion (Koln 1981, Los Angeles 1985, Christchurch 1989). His story is told through the eyes of Elizabeth Hines, his Deaf sister.
1992
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Latvian Love
Kiwi Shaun Ruffell and Latvian Indrai Ozolinai, both Deaf, meet again three years after meeting at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf (in Christchurch), during which time they have kept in touch through letters.
1989
publication – Taonga source: Shona McGhie
VXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7-17 January 1989
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
News Review: Ready, Set, Go!
Susan Thomas takes the reins at the studio this week on ‘News Review’. The team recaps footage from the World Games of the Deaf which wrapped up on the Tuesday before. Watch records being broken, and some footage of our Kiwi athletes in action!
1983
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: March 1983 (Vol. 20, No. 2)
2004
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section
Memories of Shaun Fahey
Shaun Fahey, a Deaf artist, talks about illustrating signs for the NZSL Dictionary, and what life was like for a young Shaun growing up in Christchurch under the rule of oralism.
2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
History through Young Eyes: Interview with Jeff Went
Jeff Went talks about his involvement with Deaf sports and the 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch where he volunteered as an ‘international interpreter’ doing 12 hour days over 12 days!
1987
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
‘Spot On’ visits a Deaf basketball training session
The educational TV series ‘Spot On’, visits a Deaf basketball training session to catch up with Royce Flynn and Megan Mansfield, and understand how the sport is played by Deaf athletes, and controlled by a Deaf referee.
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
Christchurch WGD Men’s Basketball Final
Crowd based footage of the Men’s Basketball final at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, which USA won 127-56. This footage includes the warm up, edited highlights of the match, medal ceremony, team photos, and post-match socialising.
1989
article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star
Deaf athletes see red
A Christchurch man has designed an international first for the World Games for the Deaf, designing a visual starter for athletic and swimming events.
2017
article – Taonga source: The Press.
Deaf community was home for Margaret Coutts
An obituary on Margaret Coutts who was "the mother of deaf sports", an active leader and strong positive role-model to younger members of the Deaf community. She was the first female president of the Christchurch Deaf Club, and was awarded a NZ Commemoration Medal for her contributions in 1990.
1988
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury
Black and White Fancy Dress Fundraiser for 1989 WGD Christchurch
The Black and White themed Fancy Dress party at Christchurch Deaf Society on 28th May 1988 was a fundraiser for the World Games for the Deaf. Creative members dressed-up as prisoners, punk rockers, Spanish costume dress with bolero, nuns, waitresses, and rugby league players!
1989
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Deafblind Wrestler competes at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch
Pier Morten, a Deafblind wrestler from Canada, participates in the 1989 World Games for the Deaf, in Christchurch.
1989
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
The ‘silent’ games, a resounding success
A magnificent success is how organisers described the World Deaf Games in Christchurch. The 112-member New Zealand team – the biggest yet – won seven medals.
1991
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: December 1991
2003
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones
ADS Badminton Club celebrates its 40th birthday!
The ADS Badminton Club, well known for recognising its milestones, has a well-attended dinner at Auckland Deaf Society to celebrate its 40th birthday!
