HomePublicationsNFD Journal: December 1988 (Vol. 2, No. 4)

NFD Journal: December 1988 (Vol. 2, No. 4)

Some of the items featured in the December 1988 issue of ‘NFD Journal:

  • Five Government departments (Health, Education, Social Welfare, Labour, Justice) and ACC all committed to work on those three key issues: interpreters, hearing aid subsidy, awareness/prevention.
  • The Department of Social Welfare also proposed to cover $6,000 for training for interpreters and social workers, with a $200,000 one-off grant to address the present interpreters/social worker support services for Deaf.
  • NFD also obtained a $10,000 grant to fund a feasibility study on setting up a permanent interpreters training course in New Zealand.
  • Christchurch gears up for the World Games for the Deaf, with fundraising efforts still underway. Christchurch City Council has provided its venues free of charge for the games, with Social Welfare underwriting 75% of the costs. 
  • Otago Deaf Club members help a large group of medical students learn sign language so they can help at the Christchurch WDG. 
  • Claire Raisin reports on her experience as an AFS student in USA.
  • Deaf Organisations
  • TV/Media

Can you help?

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.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.
Anne Parker
Anne Parker
Claire Raisin
Claire Raisin
Eileen McGee
Eileen McGee
Eileen Smith
Eileen Smith
Hilary McCormack
Hilary McCormack
Jason Pui
Jason Pui
Jerome Kereama
Jerome Kereama
John McRae
John McRae
Ken Jillings
Ken Jillings
Linda Prouse
Linda Prouse
Margaret Cooper
Margaret Cooper
Margaret Coutts
Margaret Coutts
Matty (Matthew) Hudson
Matty (Matthew) Hudson
Michelle Summers
Michelle Summers
Rachel Noble
Rachel Noble
Stephen Rorison
Stephen Rorison
Steve Hooker
Steve Hooker
Tony (Anthony) Walton
Tony (Anthony) Walton

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, NFDJ1988-2-4-MJN
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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1986
article – Taonga source: Unknown

Silent Communication

Week in, week out, Linda's hands flutter expressively about events from the spectrum of human existence: funerals, trade union meetings, church services, antenatal classes, court cases, visits to doctor and lawyer.
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1985
article – Taonga source: The Dominion

Job Advertisement: Interpreters for the Deaf

Applications are invited for the first New Zealand course of interpreter training.
NZSL Stories
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1980s
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Silver Pin: N.Z Fern

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
  • Susie Ovens
  • Terry Kane
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Key Ring: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Jeff Went
1992
article – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Job Advertisement: Sign Language Interpreter

Applications are invited for the above position based in the Wellington Welfare Office for the Deaf. Interpreting work will include areas such as welfare, court, political meetings, medical, etc. Application giving full curriculum vitae and a VHS video tape of yourself of no less than 15 minutes presented in sign language.
Wellington Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Plaque: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association: Susan Hanson, In Appreciation, 16th World Games for the Deaf

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Jeff Went
1985
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

An ear for the deaf

The 600 people in Wellington at last have their own sign interpreter. Rachel Locker was appointed as sign language interpreter for the deaf on Monday.
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

CISS World Deaf Games Accreditation Card: Barbara Hazelwood, Team Manager, Basketball

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Susie Ovens
1989
Object – Taonga source: Margaret Coutts

Souvenir Badge: 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989

Margaret Coutts
NZSL Stories
  • Jeff Went
  • Tony Walton
1989
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Bottle Opener: New Zealand Deaf Amateur Sports Association

Manawatu Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
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  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton