HomeCommunity PlacesDeaf Clubs

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 archival items from all Deaf clubs so if you have any historical items you’d like to donate, we would love to hear from you.

Deaf Society of Canterbury
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Est. 1922
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE

Deaf Society of Canterbury

The Deaf Society of Canterbury is New Zealand’s oldest Deaf Club, established in the mid 1920s. 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.
Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Society
Est. 1937
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE

Auckland 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.
Hawkes Bay Deaf Club
Hawkes Bay Deaf Club
Hawkes Bay Deaf Club
Est. 1964
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE

Hawkes Bay Deaf Club

It all began on the 21st of March 1964. A group of deaf adults from Napier and Hastings got together to form the Hawkes Bay Deaf Club. Soon after, others from as far away as Wairoa and Waipukurau soon joined in as well. There were over 20 members in 1964.
Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Society
Est. 1962
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE

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.
Wellington Deaf Society
Wellington Deaf Society
Wellington Deaf Society
Est. 1938
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE

Wellington Deaf Society

Wellington Deaf Society is the heart of the Wellington Deaf Community. Established on 30 July 1938, has moved a couple of times since its formation, from gatherings at people's places, leased halls and buildings, meet-ups at different pubs, to a co-owned building at 17 Bannister Ave, Johnsonville, Wellington – where it is now.