HomeDeaf ClubsAuckland Deaf Society

Established in 1937, Auckland Deaf Society (ADS) is New Zealand’s largest (and second oldest) Deaf Club. Previously called the ‘Auckland Adult Deaf Society’ and the ‘Deaf Welfare Centre’, the club’s original home was at an old shop on 47 Parnell Road in Auckland, before moving to 164 Balmoral Road with enormous support from the ‘Friends of the Deaf’. Auckland Deaf Society is now located at 16 Hillsborough Road. The 43-minute long ‘My Second Home’ documentary takes you through the history of Auckland Deaf Society. Its Senior Citizens group has amassed a large number of films and donated them to SignDNA. They cover a wide range of events and activities, many of which continue today in one form or another. Objects were photographed in 2024. If you have more archival items relevant to Auckland Deaf Society, please get in touch.

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1991
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: April 1991

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Hunt
1981
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Social and Sports Executive Committee, 1981-1982

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
1962
article – Taonga source: The Auckland Star

Seven to make debut at ball for the deaf

Seven young girls will make their debut at a ball to be held by the Auckland Deaf Society; they will dance the debutante walz without hearing the music.
2006
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Northern Zone Women’s Netball, 2006

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
Est. 2010
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Eight Pool Club: The 5s Tournament, Best Player of the Year

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Michelle Kruger
  • Terry Kane
  • Shirley Bregmen
1986
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Host Committee: Auckland Deaf Society Indoor Bowling Club, 1986

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
  • John Mansell
1960
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Sports Representatives, N.Z. Deaf Societies Convention, 1960

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Milton Reedy
  • John Mansell
  • Terry Kane
  • Tony Walton
  • Doug Croskery
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Colleen Norris
1973
article – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Bringing Beauty to the Deaf

Make-up sessions for deaf women were set up, teaching how to use glossers, glissers, eyeliners, shaders, blushers and highlights.
Auckland Deaf Society
Est. 1956
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

The O’Sullivan Cup: Men’s Darts

Auckland Deaf Society
Est. 1972
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Neeley Trophy: Men’s Indoor Basketball – Past v Present

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Doug Croskery
  • John Mansell
Est. 1973
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Badminton Club: Keogh Cup, Mixed Doubles

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Doug Croskery
  • Shona McGhie
  • Kevin Pivac
1979
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society, Winners of Brian Smither Cup, 1979

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shona McGhie
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
2000
video – Taonga source: Hilda Tamepo

Memories of John McRae

John McRae is filmed at his home in Napier where he lived with his wife Verna. John explains some highlights from his life story including his experiences at school, travelling the world for Deaf sports, and his involvement in the Deaf community. The video includes his commentary of various photos and objects in their house.
Hilda Tamepo
NZSL Stories
  • Milton Reedy
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
  • Patreena Bryan
1979
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Netball Pennant: 24th N.Z. Deaf Sports Convention, Host Christchurch 1979

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
2002
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Northern Sports Team, Mixed Touch Team, 2002

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
1978
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Basketball Club, 1978

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Shona McGhie
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Tony Walton
1980s
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Basketball Singlet: Auckland Deaf Society Men’s Basketball

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
Est. 1960
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Deaf Welfare Centre Indoor Bowling Club: Ladies Singles Championship

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Colleen Norris
  • John Mansell
1969
article – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Deaf Runner Has Left But Tour Fund Short

Coventry who will contest the 5000 and 10,000 metres and 15-mile modified marathon races, has perhaps the best chance for a medal in the longest event.
Auckland Deaf Society
1951
video – Taonga source: Owen Gibbons

Picnic at Duders Beach

Auckland Deaf community hold their annual picnic at Duders Beach, 1951.
Owen Gibbons
NZSL Stories
  • Pam Croskery
  • Richard Hay
  • Doug Croskery
Est. 1975
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society Indoor Bowing Club: Aggregate Points

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Colleen Norris
2009
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: July 2009

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Michelle Kruger
  • Cecilia Waitohi
  • John Mansell
  • Colleen Norris
  • Shirley Bregmen
  • Terry Kane
  • John Schischka
1975
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

The Auckland Deaf Centre

A glimpse into the Auckland Deaf Centre, showing Deaf people playing pool, badminton, reading, having coffee and talking in sign language.
Television New Zealand Archive
NZSL Stories
  • Pam Croskery
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Shirley Bregmen
  • Shona McGhie
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Michelle Kruger
  • Terry Kane
Est. 1964
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society McHattie Trophy: Tug-Of-War, Married vs Single

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Richard Hay
  • Doug Croskery
  • Pam Croskery
1974
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Deaf Society Indoor Basketball Club, 1974

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
2007
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Framed Pocket Patch: New Zealand Deaf 8 Ball Pool

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Michelle Kruger
  • Shirley Bregmen
  • Terry Kane
1976
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Banner: Taranaki Deaf Club Basketball Team – Auckland 1976

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
1964
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

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

NZSL Stories
  • Richard Hay
  • Pam Croskery
  • Doug Croskery
  • John Hunt
  • John Mansell
1974
article – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Hostel for deaf out of funds, faces closure

Balmoral's Deaf Welfare Centre will be forced to close its hostel next week unless it gets financial help.
Auckland Deaf Society
1990
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: June 1990

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Colleen Norris
  • Doug Croskery
  • Tony Walton
  • Ruth Jessep
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Terry Kane