NFD Communicate: September 1995

Some of the items featured in the September 1995 (Vol. 5, No. 2) Issue of ‘NFD Communicate’:

‘A Rugby Dream’, an article on the world’s first Deaf rugby test match between New Zealand and South Africa.
New Zealand’s first Deaf Festival, staged on the last two days of September; an opportunity to celebrate the richness and beauty of Deaf culture and NZSL!
Instructions on how to use a TTY in an emergency
Two Māori Deaf hui were held to gather information about the needs of Māori Deaf, with the first hui at Nga Hau e Wha Marae (Christchurch), and Matātua Marae (Mangere) with 70 people in attendance.
Interpreter graduates who wanted to work for the Deaf Association would need to apply using a tape showing them interpreting, with its Advisory Committee making recommendations to Regional Managers.

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Kelston on Tour: A Hard-Fought Win in Russell

John shares a memorable rugby trip with Kelston School for the Deaf to play in Russell in 1961, coached by teachers Aspen and Brown. After taking the ferry from Paihia, students were billeted with local families. John’s hosts were baffled when they saw him doing press-ups to get ready for the game. After watching the girls' netball match, it was his turn on the field, playing as hooker. Kelston came out strong, scoring a try straight away. John added another try later, sealing a 9-6 win for Kelston in a game that turned rough by halftime.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

From Snow to Steam: An Unforgettable Rugby Journey

In 1995, history was made as New Zealand hosted the inaugural International Deaf Rugby Test Series between South Africa and the Deaf Blacks. After a hard-fought second test in Palmerston North, claimed by the in-form Deaf Blacks, the series was tied at 1-1. With everything to play for in the final test in Auckland, both teams boarded a bus bound for Auckland. But this was no ordinary trip. A snowed-out Desert Road left the South Africans in awe, followed by an unforgettable dip in the hot pools of Rotorua. Now, the former Secretary of the New Zealand Deaf Rugby Football Union reveals the unexpected outcome of that legendary journey!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

From Supporter to Secretary: Shona McGhie’s NZDSA Story

Shona McGhie shares how she became involved with the NZ Deaf Sports Association after attending the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln as a supporter. Inspired, she accepted an invitation from Norman to observe an NZDSA executive meeting. They were looking for a new secretary, as Margaret Coutts had joined the organising committee for the 1989 Games. Shona was nervous but took on the role. She worked with basic green-and-black screen computers, fax machines, and letters. It was a demanding period, especially with the 1989 World Deaf Games ahead. Shona stayed in the role until 1996.

Alexandra Carr

Angela Sew Hoy

Caleb Thorn

Dorothy Jones (Beck)

Dorothy Jones (Beck)

Eileen Smith

Ewen Wilson

George Hiri

Hilary McCormack

Hilary McCormack

Jerry Hanifin

Kevin Pivac

Lee Bullivant

Lynette Pivac

Rodney Roberts

Rosie Ryder (Eruera, Manning)

Rosie Ryder (Eruera, Manning)

Shona McGhie

Susan Hamilton

Tricia Fitzgerald

Tricia Fitzgerald

Wendy Daunt

Relevant Links

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Taonga source:

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, NFDC1995-5-2-MJN

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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