2023
NZSL story – Taonga source: Patreena Bryan
Titirangi School for the Deaf: Going home for the holidays
Patreena Bryan, an ex-Titirangi School for the Deaf student reminisces when students would be going home for the holidays, and how they'd all wake up at 5am in excitement for the day (and holidays) ahead!
1992
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt
Compiling ‘The Story of the Auckland Deaf Society Inc 1937 – 1987’ book
John was keen to know about the history of Auckland Deaf Society, and upon the approval of the Board of Management, he compiled a book two years before the 50th Anniversary of ADS. It took him three years to finish the book, and it was released one year after the anniversary.
2022
NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt
Teaching sign language in preparation for the Christchurch 1989 World Deaf Games
Once New Zealand was awarded the host of the XVIth World Deaf Games at Los Angeles 1985, there was a realisation that sign language classes needed to commence in preparation for Christchurch 1989.
2022
NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt
What it was like being the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team
Janet Watt was the team manager for the New Zealand badminton team at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. She recalls being worried that each player had their own room at the university accommodation; how that would lead to more work for her (and eventually, silver and bronze for the team's players!).
1992
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt
Establishing the ‘NZ Deaf News’ in 1962
John Hunt's involvement with NZ Deaf News spanned 23 years. Upon moving to New Zealand in 1962, he was surprised to find out that there was no NZ Deaf News at a time where radio and TV (which was inaccessible for Deaf people) were one of the main medium of news. He established the NZ Deaf News publication with a group of 10 people. The first issue was only 8 pages and with donations, the next one was 16 pages. It grew exponentially and was the place to go for Deaf-related news.
1992
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt
John Hunt’s experience working as the First Deaf Field Officer for the NZ Association for the Deaf
John talks about his experiences working as the first Deaf Field Officer for the Deaf Association – two and half years – and the infamous ‘Deaf nod.’
2022
NZSL story – Taonga source: Janet Watt
Winning gold in the badminton doubles at Los Angeles 1985!
Janet Watt shares her experiences of winning gold in the women's badminton doubles with Carolyn Hamlin, where Pam Croskery and Penny Went also placed second.
1992
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt
John Hunt’s involvement with the formation of the NZ Deaf Sports Association
There was also no Association for Deaf Sports when John moved to New Zealand. At a meeting in Wellington in 1963, they agreed to set up rules/by-laws and at its AGM, John was selected Secretary which he dedicated 10 years to. He was also Vice President of the association, before being made a life member.