Royce Flynn

The New Zealand team manager, Tony Walton, reports on the team’s results at the Los Angeles 1985 World Deaf Games including where the team stayed and played at.

The NZ team returns from the XIV World Games for the Deaf, Köln, Germany 1981.

In April 2006, New Zealand Parliament declared NZSL to be an official language - the culmination of a 20-year battle by the deaf community, and a true hallmark in the recognition of their native language. 'Sign of the Times' is about the deaf New Zealanders who fought to have their language recognised as a real language and as a viable means of communication. The film documents the community's celebration of the official recognition of their language and looks at the community's ongoing hopes and aspirations for their language and culture.

The Christchurch Deaf Mens Basketball team travel to Greymouth, accompanied by the Deaf netball team.

The Canterbury Deaf Club Basketball & Netball teams travels to Greymouth, with the ‘Deaf Boys’ playing against the ‘Hot Shots’ and winning 67-54.

New Zealand team goes to XIV World Games for the Deaf in Köln, Germany in 1981.

Coverage of the Trans-Tasman Deaf Games, Lincoln College, Christchurch, 10 January 1979, including opening ceremony and various sports.

The educational TV series ‘Spot On’, visits a Deaf basketball training session to catch up with Royce Flynn and Megan Mansfield, and understand how the sport is played by Deaf athletes, and controlled by a Deaf referee.

The New Zealand Deaf team marched on Dominion Road, accompanied by police, with farewell speeches at Auckland Deaf Society before departing for the 15th World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles.

The Christchurch Deaf Club basketball team plays a match in Hokitika in June 1976 versus a hearing team. Geoff Harker’s arm injury is a hot topic of discussion that weekend!

Members of the Canterbury Deaf community make for a picnic on a lovely day, with tug-o-war and running races.

A fancy dress party is held at the Canterbury Deaf Society’s clubrooms.

In the history of NZSL teaching, perhaps the most important development was when 8 NZSL tutors attended a two-week intensive teaching course in London in 1991. Watch this condensed version (taking from almost 29 hours of footage!) to get a sense of what the training was like.

Narrated by Tony Walton, the New Zealand team’s plans are disrupted two hours into their flight with an engine problem. They are forced to return back to Auckland.

A farewell party and awards evening is hosted by the Christchurch Deaf Club Basketball Club, with awards and prizes given out by Peter Downie.

The Deaf community gather in Christchurch for the NZ Deaf Sports Convention in Labour Weekend, 1975.

A packed YMCA hall with supporters watching the Auckland vs Christchurch men’s basketball game.