1981
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers perform Silent Night
The Sign Singers perform the famous carol 'Silent Night' for the Stars on Sunday programme.
2023
video – Taonga source: Speak Up Kōrerotia
Speak Up Kōrerotia – Deaf Education in Aotearoa
This special NZSL Week show looks at the history and progression of deaf education in Aotearoa over time, from the oral method of communication taught for decades to the current use and teaching of NZSL. We interview Kay Drew (former teacher at the Van Asch Deaf Education Centre in Christchurch, and a CODA - child of deaf adults) and Sara Pivac Alexander (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University)
2013
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Fire drill at Auckland University an ‘opportunity’ for deaf students
Auckland University's fire drill on Monday left a deaf student feeling forgotten, but could be an opportunity for change, advocates say. Profoundly deaf psychology student Dean Buckley, 21, didn't know about the evacuation until he saw a fire warden yelling at him, minutes after everyone else in his building had fled outside.
1985
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Overcoming the invisible handicap
It takes only a few minutes in the company of Pat Dugdale to realise that she has a mischievous sense of fun. It’s almost as if she enjoys shocking people and then watching their reaction.
1982
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers: ‘Born Free’
The Sign Singers perform the song 'Born Free' broadcast on Stars on Sunday in June 1982.
1988
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Spot On interview of Deaf actor in ‘Strangers’
'Strangers' was a TVNZ-produced drama series for children, with one Deaf character played by 7-year-old Sonia Pivac. Reporter Phil Keoghan, from ‘Spot On’, interviews Sonia about being the only Deaf actor in the drama.
1988
article – Taonga source: Capital Times
Deaf society celebrates anniversary
Wellington Deaf Society secretary, Pat Dugdale, is expecting 200 people from around New Zealand to take part in its 50th anniversary celebrations.
1996
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Angela Sew Hoy: A Deaf Chinese New Zealander
‘Asia Dynamic’ catches up with Angela Sew Hoy, to find out what life is like as a Deaf Chinese New Zealander, navigating three different cultures in everyday life.
2008
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Nirvana teaching Sign Language
She’s a great mum and teacher and she’s deaf. Nirvana Graham is creating history by teaching our third official language in mainstream school.
2023
article – Taonga source: Woman’s Day
Erica Dawson’s sign language battle ‘We’re nothing to be afraid of’
"There's still a lot of barriers for deaf people in this country," says Erica, who lost her hearing when she was six months old. "We face all sorts of challenges that hearing people take for granted, such as finding interpreters to help us with schoolwork or meetings at work."
1984
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers perform on the ‘In South Tonight’ programme – Dunedin 1984
The Sign Singers tour the South Island for Deaf Awareness in 1984, and are invited to perform on ‘In South Tonight’ while in Dunedin.
1983
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald
Sign Language Puts The Deaf in Tune
The Deaf Sign Singers have a busy schedule this year with performances throughout the North Island.
1987
article – Taonga source: The Press
All the world is a stage – for the deaf, too
“Speaking hands, hearing eyes” is the title of an Australian folk song about the deaf. It is also the dictum by which Anne Tweedie lives and why she has started a Theatre for the Deaf.
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: October 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 4)
1980
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
Helen Keller: The great made her their heroine
To mark the centenary of the birth of Helen Keller on June 27, 1880, Pat Dugale has written about unusual experiences in her life.
2021
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Burger King staff yell and swear at Deaf man ordering dinner for his kids
Barry Kay just wanted to order dinner for his kids at Burger King. The Christchurch builder had written his order in big letters on a piece of paper for the drive-through, as he had done before. But when he handed over his order at the window on Friday, the operator told him to go inside.
1992
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
New Zealand Police Commissioner considers Deaf access to justice
Two weeks after 'The Remand of Ivan Curry' screens on TV1, Police Commissioner John Jamieson meets with Jennifer Brain to work out better procedures for dealing with Deaf people in custody.
2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
History through Young Eyes: Interview with Susie Ovens
A Tu Kokiri student interviews Susie Ovens on her involvement with the infamous Deaf Sign Singers group.
1992
article – Taonga source: Western Leader
Curry case highlights Deaf plight
A television documentary on the plight of a deaf man has spurred the Glen Eden-based New Zealand Association of the Deaf into action. It wants to see the man, wrongly imprisoned for two years, receive compensation for his ordeal.
1981
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers at Telethon 1981
The popular Sign Singers are the first act to perform at the 1981 Telethon Live at the Auckland Town Hall.
1990
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Welcome 1990 Haere Mai!
The Auckland Sign Singers were invited to perform with others in a three-hour entertainment special to celebrate 1990 which was broadcast live from Bastion Point on TV One at 7.30pm.
1989
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf study tour hit by obstacle
Many obstacles, including their deafness, are getting in the way of a planned study to the United States and Britian for Angela and Shelia.
1981
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers: ‘I Hear Your Hand’
The Sign Singers perform the song 'I Hear Your Hand' for the Stars on Sunday programme.
1983
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Bruce McHattie encourages Deaf to donate at the Auckland Telethon
Bruce McHattie from Auckland Deaf Society participates in the 1983 Telethon in Auckland, aimed at fundraising for a specific cause. Deaf people could be involved too, and make donations by calling a specific number via their TTY and state their donation.
1990
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald
Singing and signing
The price in being part of the 600-strong Commonwealth Games opening ceremony choir as they use sign language to sing is evident.
2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
The Watercooler: Deaf Edition
Three Deaf panelists talk about their experiences in communication, schooling, and work. Facilitated by a Deaf MC with interpreted voice over these hilarious, heartwarming experiences give an insight into the Deaf community.
1991
article – Taonga source: The Chronicle
Coping with deafness in a hearing world
Cushla and Brian talk about their lives – being Deaf, their experiences at school, employment, and communication.
2005
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section
Toa Anga Whati Māori
Māori TV's 'Toa Anga Whati Māori' profiles the Deaf Association of New Zealand on its weekly program, interviewing a series of Deaf people in sports (golf, touch rugby, rugby) before touching upon the job of a Deaf Awareness Officer who delivers training throughout New Zealand.
1988
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
They’re naturals for the part
A production this month of the play Children of a Lesser God in Auckland will feature two deaf actors, Bryan Williams and Sheila Gibbons. And the starring role will be played, for the second time, by Gloss actress Miranda Harcourt.
2016
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Parenting with Sign Language
We’re alongside Sarah who is Deaf and preparing to give birth to her first child. Having been there twice before, Deaf parents Victoria and Greg, are on hand for advice.
1989
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf angry at threat facing News Review
Deaf people are angered and disappointed by the threat facing the TV show News Review.
1971
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1971 (Vol. 8, No. 3)
1993
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Spotlight on Pasifika Deaf
Tangata Pasifika visits Kelston Deaf Education Centre and meets with a number of Pasifika Deaf students part of the school’s transition programme, interviewing Rosie Amituanai and her family.
2001
video – Taonga source: Lorraine Butler
Deaf Diversity – Queer Nation
Queer Nation meets a sporty lesbian with nimble fingers. Lorraine talks about her identity, involvement with Deaf sports, performing and access, emphasising that Deaf people are really no different from hearing people.
1982
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers: ‘Harmony’
The Sign Singers perform 'Harmony' broadcast on Stars on Sunday in February 1983. They are introduced in sign language, in one of the first examples of a non-Deaf person signing on prime time television.
1990
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Getting the best from a less-than-perfect body
Some make a fuss, dress up and do it because its fashionable. Others do it for the sport and for the good of their bodies. Peter Barker, who is deaf, is one of the others.
2001
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Loud and clear
The deaf community believes it has been misunderstood and misinterpreted for too long. Now it wants to be seen and heard as a group with its own cultural identity.
1990
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Autumn/Winter 1990 (Vol. 24, No. 1)
1991
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald
The sounds of silence
Turn the light on, so I can hear what you're saying. It's an old line, but a favourite one among us hearing-impaired people, because it points up how we "hear" with our eyes as surely as blind people "see" with their fingers or their ears.
1997
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald
Art of surviving in silence
An interview with Abbie Twiss on World Deaf Awareness Day, and the start of New Zealand's National Deaf Awareness Week. Here, Abbie looks out from her Elam studio. "My thoughts go much faster than I can write."
1982
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers: ‘Sailing’
The Sign Singers perform the hit song 'Sailing' broadcast on Stars on Sunday in May 1982. Ian Watkins, introduces the group by saying “…and I’m delighted to welcome back to the programme the deaf sign singers.”
1992
video – Taonga source: Sue Williams
The Remand of Ivan Curry
A documentary outlining the case of Ivan Curry who, in 1988, was arrested and tried for the murder of his baby nephew. The documentary explores the case and in particular the plight of Ivan Curry who was remanded without bail for 15 months awaiting trial, as well as the difficulty Deaf people face navigating the justice system.
1989
article – Taonga source: The Dominion
Board of trustees accepts extra challenges at school for deaf
Board member Ava Buzzard, who has been deaf since birth, is excited by the chance to have a greater role in a school she has been involved with for many years.
1968
article – Taonga source: Unknown
A life few people know
Few people with normal hearing stop to consider the daily frustrations faced by the deaf.
2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
Interview: Jamie Brown from Merge NZ talks about the impacts and benefits of learning NZSL
Jaime Brown, Merge NZ Co-Director, learned NZSL and didn't just find a language, but a community and a passion. Seecus talks to Jaime about the impacts NZSL has had for her and the benefits of learning sign language.
1989
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: December 1989 (Vol. 3, No. 4)
1979
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
‘Speaking’ shown on ‘The South Tonight’
Total Communication is promoted on ‘The South Tonight’ by MOACOM, a newly formed influential group.
2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
After decades of crusading for NZ’s deaf community, Auckland woman honoured as ‘local hero’
The New Zealander of the Year will be announced tonight and as part of it, a number of local heroes have been recognised. One of them is Aucklander Victoria Lessing, who has been deaf her whole life and has spent 20 years raising the profile of NZSL. Two years ago, her passion developed into a company called Merge NZ, which she runs alongside her business partner, Jaime Brown.
1995
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
A behind-the-scenes look at the Teletext system
During 'Deafness Awareness Week' in 1995, One Network News runs a news clip that highlights why Teletext is invaluable to the Deaf community. Patreena Bryan shares with us how captions give Deaf people equality.
1980s
Collection
The Sign Singing Superstars
Collection of archival items related to the Sign Singing Superstars, with videos, images, articles and later, NZSL stories!
1968
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Winter 1968 (Vol. 5, No. 4)
1968
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Autumn 1968 (Vol. 5, No. 3)
1992
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: June 1992
1982
article – Taonga source: AID Magazine
Deaf field officers – their disability is their qualification
In the past 18 months, the NZAD has opened field offices in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, and hopes soon to establish two more in Nelson and Dunedin.
1996
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Deaf Awareness Week 1996
Deaf Awareness Week 1996 begins, with a spotlight on Des Barton, who finds the latest technology in hearing aids a great improvement. Angela Sew Hoy highlights that the week is aiming to raise awareness about Deaf people, their language and culture.
2023
video – Taonga source: Māori Television
Mother’s plea to see Aotearoa more sensitive to deaf community
Sign language is one of three official languages of Aotearoa, but Tofi Au’vaa says it's still a struggle educating people about the challenges faced by the deaf community.
1987
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: December 1987 (Vol. 1 No. 4)
1993
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Sounds or Silence?
In the early 1990s, due to a breakthrough in technology, cochlear implants were starting to become the norm. The Deaf community worldwide viewed cochlear implants as a device that disregarded the need for access to sign language. Others considered such devices a miracle. In 1993, ‘60 Minutes’ investigated this controversial topic in New Zealand.
1982
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Coping in a hearing world
Rachel Noble and Donna Allen, both 17 and profoundly deaf, talk about their experiences in education.
1968
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Summer 1968 (Vol. 5, No. 2)
1992
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: March 1992
2023
article – Taonga source: The Northland Age
Sign of the times: Teaching of New Zealand’s third official language growing ‘bigger and better’
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania may be the best-known Far North face learning NZSL, but he’s in growing company.
1982
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers: ‘Oh What a Beautiful Day’
The Sign Singers perform 'Oh What a Beautiful Day' broadcast on Stars on Sunday in February 1983.
2011
video – Taonga source: Asia Downunder
I’m Deaf, Let’s Talk
Meet Karishma Mohan, one of the faces of NZSL Week 2011. Here, we get a glimpse of Karishma's life – both home, work and socially. She is studying to become a teacher with a practicum at Kelston Deaf Education Centre's pre-school.
2021
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Treated like a criminal’: Deaf traveller’s ‘terrible experience’ returning to New Zealand
A Deaf woman is calling for airlines and airports to better equip staff to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing travellers after a “terrible experience” returning to New Zealand from Rarotonga that made her feel she was being “treated like a criminal”.
1973
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1973 (Vol. 10, No. 4)
1970
article – Taonga source: The Times.
Problem that too often falls on ‘deaf ears’…
In Hamilton, there are four deaf units, three at Hamilton West and one at Melville Intermediate. Next year there is going to be a deaf unit at Melville High School.
1973
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1973 (Vol. 10, No. 2)
2023
article – Taonga source: Bay of Plenty Times
Deaf couple use sign language to organise building a new house
A new house build can be a challenging time for a young couple. But Gregory and Victoria Lessing are also deaf, and undertook a house build from scratch using NZSL.
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: March 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 1)
1988
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Deaf young actor on ‘Strangers’
'Strangers' was a TVNZ-produced drama series, including one Deaf character played by 7-year-old Sonia Pivac. This short documentary is a brief look behind the scenes of the filming process.
2006
video – Taonga source: Handmade Productions Aotearoa
Sign of the Times: The Story of New Zealand’s Visual Language
In April 2006, New Zealand Parliament declared NZSL to be an official language - the culmination of a 20-year battle by the deaf community, and a true hallmark in the recognition of their native language. 'Sign of the Times' is about the deaf New Zealanders who fought to have their language recognised as a real language and as a viable means of communication. The film documents the community's celebration of the official recognition of their language and looks at the community's ongoing hopes and aspirations for their language and culture.
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 3)
2019
article – Taonga source: Manawatū Standard.
Deaf woman helps others learn sign language over a pint
Candice David was only 3 when she lost her hearing. Now, she's helping others learn her only form of communication, NZSL. Candice was at Palmerston North bar Brew Union on Sunday, offering free NZSL tutorials to all patrons.
2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
Interview: Victoria Lessing from Merge NZ talks about learning NZSL and its benefits
Victoria Lessing, Merge NZ Co-Director, talks with Seecus about learning NZSL and its benefits.
2020
article – Taonga source: Waikato Times
Masks causing issues for deaf Waikato man
Wearing a face mask is meant to help slow the spread of Covid-19. But for Tokoroa’s Roger Drower, who is partially deaf, they’ve left him feeling discriminated and isolated.
1971
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1971 (Vol. 8, No. 2)
1987
article – Taonga source: The Dominion
Communicating from a silent world
Jenny Griffiths, the mother of two profoundly deaf children, talks about communicating with them in Total Communication.
1999
video – Taonga source: Rūaumoko Komiti
Mai Time features NZSL!
Mai Time made one of their episodes accessible in NZSL to mark Deaf Awareness Week 1999. KDEC’s sign singing choir and Patrick Thompson made an appearance along with as did Rūaumoko Marae’s kapa haka roopu.
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 2)
1991
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: March 1991 (Vol. 5, No. 1)
1993
article – Taonga source: Contact
Hands says it all
Kevin Stokes wishes more people spoke his language. He would also like to see it recognised, as New Zealand's third official language, alng with English and Maori.
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: June 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 2)
2018
video – Taonga source: Darryl Alexander
The Making of an NZSL Friendly School
The Making of a NZSL Friendly School follows Andre, who began as a new entrant at the school in 2016, and the journey of his teachers, classmates and wider school community in learning NZSL and incorporating it into school curriculum.
1996
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
A look into the new bilingual approach at Kelston Deaf Education Centre
One of the goals of 1996’s Deaf Awareness Week was to better educate New Zealanders about New Zealand Sign Language, and as part of this, One Network News visited Kelston Deaf Education Centre in Auckland. KDEC which has a new bilingual teaching method using both NZSL and English.
1984
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Spring 1984 (Vol. 21, No. 3)
2018
article – Taonga source: Stuff
An ‘inspirational’ deaf teacher is teaching sign language to hearing toddlers
One deaf teacher in south Auckland has inspired several toddlers and their parents to learn sign language.
1985
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Desperate need in N.Z. for interpreters
Qualified interpreters are desperately needed to cope with the needs of deaf people in New Zealand.
1969
article – Taonga source: The Auckland Star
They’re shut out-lonely and deaf
Trevor Fear, Auckland's newly-appointed deaf welfare officer talks about his experiences, the deaf community and their needs.
2009
video – Taonga source: Asia Downunder
Sign of the times
We meet Kaori Kobayashi, the first Asian Deaf Teacher in New Zealand.
1989
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa
National Foundation for the Deaf promotional video
National Foundation for the Deaf produce a promotional video explaining their role and the purpose of their member organisations.
2000
article – Taonga source: Unknown
People pay to shut councillors up
Wellington City councillors, renowned for their verbal spats, were staying strangely quiet this morning. As part of Shut Up Day, run by the Deaf Association of New Zealand, the Mayor and councillors were reduced to talking in sign language between 8am and midday.