Deaf clubs are often considered the heart of their local Deaf communities. They are a place that is Deaf in a hearing world, where members can meet and be themselves, an oasis of cultural belonging. Deaf people can often be seen using terms such as ‘second home’ when describing their club, and for many it is a place that provided their first gateway into the Deaf community. Many began in living rooms and garages, and have grown through the effort and passion of their members into exciting centres for their community.

SignDNA fully intends to have an archive page for each of the fantastic Deaf clubs around Aotearoa New Zealand. However as a starting point we have begun with pages for those clubs that have donated films, or have footage of. We hope to be able to bring you films from all Deaf clubs so if you have films you wish to donate we would love to hear from you.

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Community Life and Places

Deaf Society of Canterbury

The Deaf Society of Canterbury is New Zealand’s oldest Deaf Club, established in the mid 1930s. It has provided the inspiration for the development of other clubs around the country, including Auckland. Dennis Tod and Sue Penman have done a great job of rounding up some of the films from the Canterbury Deaf community.
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Community Life and Places

Auckland Deaf Society

Established in 1937, Auckland Deaf Society is New Zealand’s largest Deaf Club. 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.
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Community Life and Places

Manawatu Deaf Society

SignDNA is grateful to the Manawatu Deaf Society who have donated a large collection of films, recorded and edited by Joan Bailey, its founder. Established in 1962, it was originally named the Manawatu Deaf Sports Club. Later it was changed to the Manawatu Deaf Society.