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1969
article – Taonga source: John McRae

Cheering out for deaf

Most of these taking part in the sports convention last weekend live in a silvent world constantly. Yet no observer could have mistaken the enjoyment the spectators at the badminton expressed in their conversation, using signs and movements of their arms, hands and lips.
John McRae
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Pam Croskery
  • Doug Croskery
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Jonathan Anton
  • John Mansell
2004
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Netball Club, 2004

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
1985
article – Taonga source: Unknown

Ready to lend helping hands to deaf

The class of eight graduates tonight after four months' study learning the variety of sign language used by New Zealand deaf people.
1992
publication – Taonga source: Deaf Education History Aotearoa NZ

School Magazine: van Asch College, 1992

Deaf Education History Aotearoa NZ
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Barbara Hazelwood, Team Manageress, NZ Deaf Women’s Basketball, Bronze Winner

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went

Preserving our tāonga – our NZSL history and language.

Find out more! 

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
1985
article – Taonga source: The Marlborough Express

Future for deaf takes on rosy glow

Deaf job-seekers face seemingly unsurmountable obstacles and prejudice. But a new polytech course promoting positive action is smoothing the way.
1988
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

van Asch students learn street theatre skills from Mr Moon

After Mr Moon has been teaching Van Asch Deaf Education Centre Deaf students street theatre skills, they watch a performance from the Montreal Street Theatre at the New Zealand Festival in Wellington, in preparation for staging their own live performance.
Television New Zealand Archive
2008
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Tee Shirt: Wellington Deaf Youth Group, 3rd National Deaf Youth Camp

Wellington Deaf Society
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.
Dulcie McKie
NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Shona McGhie

Help us name people in videos!

Yep, I’m keen! 

Est. 1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Manawatu v Wellington Deaf Society: Ten Pin Bowling Friendly Games

Manawatu Deaf Society
1988
publication – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

Ephpheta: September 1988 (Vol. 11, No. 2)

St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
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.
Television New Zealand Archive
1976
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society, New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention, Winners of Cunniffe Memorial Cup, 1976

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Doug Croskery
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
2009
publication – Taonga source: Oticon Foundation

Soundscape: September 2009

Oticon Foundation

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

Yes, I do!  

Est. 2003
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Netball: May Murray Cup – Most Improved Player

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
1985
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

Cricket in silence

Wayne Riggs (Wellington) beats Shaun Ruffel (Taranaki) to the wicket in a practice game by members of the Central District Deaf Sports team before the Saturday match against an Australian deaf team.
1987
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Some fresh air and football at the NZ Deaf Games, Christchurch 1987

Two men’s mixed teams played football 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 25th October 1987 at Cowles Stadium. No formal prizes were awarded for football, nor did it count for points towards the Aotearoa Turi Shield. It was for the selection of the New Zealand Deaf football team for the upcoming 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
  • Terry Kane
2018
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ

NZSLTA Hui 2018

The New Zealand Sign Language Teacher's Association Hui in October 2018 was a great weekend of professional development for those that teach, and want to teach NZSL.
Merge NZ
1987
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Vintage Clock Tea Caddy Spoon: Manawatu Deaf Society 25th Anniversary

Manawatu Deaf Society

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

Let us know! 

Est. 1985
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Table Tennis Club: T.G. Kane Cup – Men’s Double

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
1981
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: September 1981 (Vol. 18, No. 3)

NZSL Stories
  • Susie Ovens
  • Shona McGhie
  • Milton Reedy
  • John Hunt
1965
article – Taonga source: The Auckland Star

Deaf team to compete in America

Members of the New Zealand basketball team practise at the YMCA for their upcoming trip next month to the International Games for the Deaf.
biography
Profile

Jennifer Brain (QSM)

Jennifer received the Queens Service Medal in 2007 for services to the New Zealand Deaf Community. She was well known for her leadership with the New Zealand Association for the Deaf. Jennifer became the first Deaf Leadership Tutor promoting community and Deaf youth leadership, before becoming the first Deaf Chief Executive Officer in 1999. Through her work, Jennifer was ahead of her time with the strategic planning of many Deaf community projects including Deaf awareness and Deaf leadership.
2006
video – Taonga source: Dan Hanks

President gives tour of old Auckland Deaf Society building

Auckland Deaf Society President Kevin Pivac gives a tour of the Club’s building prior to its demolition and rebuild.
Dan Hanks
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Schischka

Everyone has a story to tell.

Share yours! 

1951
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Basketball Singlet: Auckland Adult Deaf Society Indoor Basketball, 1951

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Doug Croskery
  • John Mansell
2009
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Silver Medal: Lawn Bowls, New Zealand Deaf Games, Christchurch 2009

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
1974
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

Putting Them In Touch: New World Opened For Deaf With ‘Talking Telephones’

Anthony and Christine Walton, both deaf, are recipients of one of the first phonotypes to be installed in the Wellington area.
1985
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

DEAF GAMES

New Zealand won its first gold medal at the World Games for the Deaf in California yesterday when cyclist John Ooteman (Fielding) won the 35km time trial in 51m 10s. Also includes results from the New Zealand team.
NZSL Stories
  • Terry Kane
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Janet Watt
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Susie Ovens
2000
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

Memories of Keith and Irene Gordon

Memories of Keith and Irene Gordon, recorded on 27 June 2000. They were both foundation members of Manawatu Deaf Society – founded on 7 July 1962. Keith was awarded life membership of Manawatu Deaf Society on 16 December 2000.
Dorothy Jones
NZSL Stories
  • Patreena Bryan

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

Let us know!