I'm interested in...
reset filter
1995-96
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Cricket Cap: New Zealand Deaf Cricket, World Cup, Melbourne 1995-96

Manawatu Deaf Society
2019
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures

Using sign language as a family

The Fergusons are an average family of five who have fun, sometimes fight but mostly get along. The main difference is that three of them are deaf, and NZSL is the first language for the whole family. How does this work in a busy household with two teens and a toddler? We spend a few days with the Fergusons and discover it works remarkably well. Especially for the eldest Zoe who is exploring advocating for New Zealand deaf youth.
Attitude Pictures
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
1989
article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

First record falls in swimming

New Zealand swimmers Kathryn Olsson and Anva Cosgrove made their first appearance in the pool in the 100m freestyle. They finished fifth in their respective heats and failed to make the finals.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Michael Lynch
1981
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, Winners of Oxspring Shield (Athletics), 1981

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Doug Croskery
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
  • John Mansell
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Milton Reedy
1961
Object – Taonga source: John McRae

John McRae’s Wrestling Bronze Medal: World Deaf Games, Helsinki 1961

John McRae
NZSL Stories
  • Milton Reedy

Preserving our tāonga – our NZSL history and language.

Find out more! 

1989
article – Taonga source: Pam Witko

Going for gold

New Zealand's Michael Lynch is on target for a gold medal in the 200m butterfly event at the World Games for the Deaf.
Pam Witko
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Michael Lynch
Est. 2001
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society 8 Ball Pool Club: Most Dedicated Player

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Shirley Bregmen
  • Michelle Kruger
  • Terry Kane
1991
article – Taonga source: The Dominion

Clowning Around

They are all members of Palmerston North-based Madedra (Manawatu Deaf Drama Group). Chilean-born drama tutor, Rolmedo Olmedo reckons he has found in them some of the best mime actors he has ever worked with. "They are so natural," he says.
1969
article – Taonga source: Pam Witko

Deaf Runner Hopes Panel Will Listen

The deaf Lynndale athlete is endeavouring to gain selection for the forth coming Deaf Olympics to be held in Yugoslavia in July.
Pam Witko
1989
article – Taonga source: The Press

Advertisement: 120,000 cheers

National Provident is proud to be the sole sponsor of the New Zealand team contesting the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went

Help us name people in videos!

Yep, I’m keen! 

1997
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Hunga Turi: Māori Deaf have their first accessible stay on a marae

‘Te Karare’ was present to witness members of the Māori Deaf community have their first accessible stay on Kokohinau marae.
Television New Zealand Archive
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.
Television New Zealand Archive
1970-80s
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Pennant: Manawatu Deaf Men’s Basketball Club

Manawatu Deaf Society
Est. 1959
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Deaf Welfare Centre Indoor Bowling Club: Graded Fours

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
  • John Mansell
1992
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of John Hunt

John Hunt, well-known for his involvement in the Deaf community – talks about establishing the NZ Deaf News, his journey towards becoming a life member of NZ Deaf Sports Association, having had a role in its founding; working as the first Deaf Field Officer for NZAD, and compiling ‘The Story of the Auckland Deaf Society Inc 1937-1987.
AUT Visual Languages Section
NZSL Stories
  • Doug Croskery
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Hunt

Do you have films, photos or papers about the Deaf World?

Yes, I do!  

1985
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Badge: Los Angeles 1985, XV World Deaf Games

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
2002
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

40th Anniversary: Weekend-long celebrations at Manawatu Deaf Society!

Manawatu Deaf Society celebrates its 40th anniversary with a packed weekend-long programme in September 2002.
Dorothy Jones
1996
publication – Taonga source: Deaf Education History Aotearoa NZ

Yearbook: van Asch Deaf Education Centre, 1996

Deaf Education History Aotearoa NZ
2015
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures

Marcia: Two Sides Of Me

On the Roller Derby court she's the revered 'Meat Train', but Marcia is starting to lose her hearing. She finds Deafness a scary prospect, yet must face her new identity.
Attitude Pictures
2017
publication – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Deaf Southern Star: 2017 (Vol. 39, No. 1)

St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Do you know any online videos that SignDNA should link to?

Let us know! 

2019
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures

Travelling with sign language

Last week we met the Fergusons, a family of five who communicate using NZSL. Here, we join the Fergusons on their trip of a lifetime attending the World Federation of the Deaf Congress — in Paris.
Attitude Pictures
1964
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: Autumn 1964 (Vol. 1, No. 3)

NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
  • Pam Croskery
  • Richard Hay
  • John Hunt
1987
publication – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Ephpheta: December 1986 (Vol. 9, No. 3)

St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
NZSL Stories
  • Ruth Jessep
2016
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures

NZSL has become an integral part of Coffee Educators

Not long after opening Co-Ed Cafe and the associated training school, Claire Matheson began running courses for students of Newlands College Deaf Unit. NZSL is now used in meetings and training, and they have menus in sign language.
Attitude Pictures
Est. 1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Jones Trophy: Manawatu Netball Competition

Manawatu Deaf Society

Everyone has a story to tell.

Share yours! 

1964
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Indoor Bowls Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, 1964

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Shona McGhie
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
  • Colleen Norris
1946
article – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Teaching The Deaf To Speak

Margaret is one of some 21 kiddies, aged from five to seven years, who for the most part born deaf, are receiving special instruction at St. Dominic's School for the Deaf at Island Bay, Wellington, the first Catholic institution of its kind to be established in the Dominion.
St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
1989
article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

Ingenuity puts them in the picture

Problems for photographers come in many forms. A prize-winning Christchurch photographer, Dick Poole, had his special worries at the World Games for the Deaf on Saturday. He used several methods to get the look he wanted – a little help from an interpreter, a little push and pull and a few signs.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
1990
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: July 1990

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Shona McGhie
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
  • Colleen Norris
1965
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Hat Band: New Zealand Deaf Sports Team, Tenth International Games for the Deaf, Washington D.C. 1965

Auckland Deaf Society

Do you know of an online article that SignDNA should link to?

Let us know!