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1989
article – Taonga source: The Press

Second medal for N.Z.

New Zealand gained its second medal when Michael Lynch came in third in the men's 100m butterfly last night. If it had not been for a misjudged approach to the electronic touch pad, Lynch would probably would have earned a silver medal.
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Milton Reedy
  • Michael Lynch
2006
video – Taonga source: Ko Taku Reo, Deaf Education New Zealand

NZSL becomes an official language of New Zealand

On 6th April 2006, members of the Deaf community and supporters gathered on the steps of parliament to celebrate the NZSL Bill passing its Third Reading, becoming the NZSL Act (2006). This marked the end of a long journey to give NZSL official status in Aotearoa New Zealand. This footage was screened on TV3 that evening.
Ko Taku Reo, Deaf Education New Zealand
1998
Images – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Team Photo: Central Districts Deaf Netball Team, 1998

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
1999
Images – Taonga source: Clive Morgan

Team Photo: Central Districts Deaf Cricket Team, 1999

Clive Morgan
1961
article – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team for deaf games backed

The Auckland Deaf Society has reversed a previous decision and decided to support the team being sent to the Olympic Games for deaf people in Helsinki in August by the Wellington Deaf Sports Club.
Auckland Deaf Society

Preserving our tāonga – our NZSL history and language.

Find out more! 

Christchurch 1989: World Deaf Games
Christchurch 1989: World Deaf Games
Christchurch 1989: World Deaf Games
1989
Collection

Christchurch 1989: World Deaf Games

After an unsuccessful bid to host the 1985 World Deaf Games, the New Zealanders weren't deterred! In 1983, Christchurch won by a landslide in their second bid. With 30 nations attending, 955 athletes and a 112-member New Zealand team with 61 athletes, it was not only New Zealand's biggest team but also, this was the first time the World Deaf Games was held in the Southern Hemisphere. The 16th World Games for the Deaf was hosted 7-17 January 1989.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Susie Ovens
  • Jeff Went
  • Michael Lynch
  • Pam Croskery
  • Shirley Bregmen
  • Shona McGhie
1985
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

First sign language interpreting course

An insight into the teaching and learning of those involved in the first sign language interpreting course in New Zealand 1985.
Television New Zealand Archive
2011
article – Taonga source: Timaru Herald

Deaf call for more interpreters

Christchurch's devastating earthquakes changed the lives of many people. Timaru couple Julie Nielson and Paul O'Donnell could finally turn off their television subtitles thanks to the sign language interpreters who stood beside Christchurch mayor Bob Parker as he addressed the public on a daily basis.
Timaru Herald
Est. 1941
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Berretti Challenge Cup: Wellington Deaf Club Table Tennis Championship

Wellington Deaf Society
1964
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: Winter 1964 (Vol. 1, No. 4)

NZSL Stories
  • John Hunt
  • John Mansell

Help us name people in videos!

Yep, I’m keen! 

1998
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

NFD Communicate: Summer 1998

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1995
video – Taonga source: Richard Peri

Second test: New Zealand Deaf vs South Africa

The first ever International Deaf Rugby Test Series was held in New Zealand in 1995 between New Zealand and South Africa. South Africa won the series 2-1.
Richard Peri
NZSL Stories
  • Richard Hay
  • Kevin Pivac
Est. 1979
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Golf Club: Ringers – Chamberlain Park

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Doug Croskery
  • John Mansell
Est. 1994
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Tim Williams Dart Shield: Mixed Singles

Auckland Deaf Society
1989
article – Taonga source: Christchurch Star

Advertisement: Calling all Kiwis…

Calling all Kiwis...Join in the fun at the XVI World Games for the Deaf. Telecom is proud to have sponsored the Telecommunication facilities at each sporting venue.
NZSL Stories
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton

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

Yes, I do!  

1965
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Basketball Singlet: New Zealand Deaf Men’s Indoor Basketball, 10th International Games for the Deaf, Washington D.C.

Manawatu Deaf Society
1981
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Pennant: XIV World Games for the Deaf, Cologne, Germany 1981

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Susie Ovens
  • Milton Reedy
1991
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Good old fashioned fun at the Christchurch Deaf Society’s picnic

Footage of the 1991 Christchurch Deaf Society's picnic day held at Spencer Park. On a progressively windy day the local Deaf community gathered to enjoy traditional Deaf community games including tug-of-war, egg throwing, welly throwing, and some less common games such as a dress-up relay.
Rodney Roberts
1991
Object – Taonga source: Hawkes Bay Deaf Club

Framed Photo: Hawkes Bay Deaf Club Opening, 16 November 1996

Hawkes Bay Deaf Club
NZSL Stories
  • Ruth Jessep
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.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton

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

Let us know! 

1990
video – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Coming Together: A video history of Wellington Deaf Society

A documentary about Wellington Deaf Society created after the 50th anniversary of WDS back in 1988. It includes historic shots of the old WDS at 280 Willis Street, Te Aro, as well as interviews with some of its members.
Wellington Deaf Society
1996
video – Taonga source: Chris Blum

Summer Deaf Youth Camp: Drama Show

Youth campers at the 1996 Summer Deaf Youth Camp in Otaki put on an entertaining evening drama show!
Chris Blum
NZSL Stories
  • Keethan Sundar
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.
Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Shona McGhie
1985
video – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Auckland gives the New Zealand Deaf team a proper send off!

The New Zealand Deaf team marched on Dominion Road, accompanied by police, with farewell speeches at Auckland Deaf Society before departing for the 15th World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles.
Tony Walton
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Terry Kane
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Janet Watt
  • Susie Ovens
1964
article – Taonga source: Colleen Norris

Special service as deaf marry

Two totally deaf people were married in the Ruawai Methodist Church on Saturday in a service specially modified for the deaf. Mr Moore had spent many hours modifying the service and consulting with the principal of the School for the Deaf, Dr D. Dale.
Colleen Norris
NZSL Stories
  • Patreena Bryan
  • Colleen Norris

Everyone has a story to tell.

Share yours! 

2001
video – Taonga source: DEAFinitely Youth Group

Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand, 2001

The ‘007’ themed Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand event, expertly hosted by Victoria Skorikova and Tony Walton was a major fundraising event for the 2nd Asia Pacific Deaf Youth Camp. It was organised in 5 weeks and raised $7,000 towards camp costs.
DEAFinitely Youth Group
NZSL Stories
  • Keethan Sundar
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
  • Doug Croskery
  • Colleen Norris
  • Milton Reedy
  • John Mansell
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Terry Kane
  • Shirley Bregmen
1980
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Dramatic Club, 1980-81

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
2006
video – Taonga source: DEAFinitely Youth Group

2nd National Deaf Youth Camp, 2006

Footage of the 2nd National Deaf Youth Camp was during 25 September to 30 September 2006, with 50 participants. The event was organised by Christchurch Deaf Youth Club which was set up after the 1st National Deaf Youth Camp.
DEAFinitely Youth Group
NZSL Stories
  • Keethan Sundar
1980s
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Krown Research Porta-Printer II, a portable TTY

Wellington Deaf Society

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

Let us know!