NZ Deaf News: February 1984

Some of the items featured in the February 1984 issue of ‘New Zealand Deaf News’ (Vol. 21, No. 1):

District ‘Round-Up’ from Auckland Deaf Society, Hawkes Bay Deaf Club, Taranaki Deaf Society, Wellington Deaf Society, Manawatu Deaf Society, Christchurch Deaf Society and Otago Deaf Society.
Further updates are also shared by the NZ Deaf Amateur Sports Association, NZ Federation for Children, NZAD’s Executive meeting
Kelston promotes its upcoming jubilee and reunion (1942-1984) on 23-25 March 1984

Can you help?

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.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From New Lynn to Avondale: A Necessary Move

Tony served as President of the New Zealand Association of the Deaf from 1999 to 2003. At the time, the focus was on supporting Deaf youth – not relocating. But when asbestos was discovered in the ceiling of the New Lynn building, with removal costs estimated at $600,000, a major decision had to be made. With support from a funder willing to underwrite the risk, the building was sold and a new location was secured. The Avondale office officially opened in November 1999.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Tony Walton on Building a More Accessible Deaf Aotearoa

Tony reflects on his involvement with the New Zealand Association of the Deaf (now Deaf Aotearoa). In 1989, during the World Deaf Games, New Zealand had only two or three qualified NZSL interpreters – a serious shortage. NZDSA was strongly sign-based, while the NZAD board leaned more oral. After the Games, Tony joined NZAD as a delegate to learn how it worked, eventually becoming President. His focus was on Deaf youth, leading to the creation of Friends of Young Deaf (FYD), better Māori engagement and involvement with more NZSL interpreters. One key goal was to have 13 interpreters nationwide, giving every major town and city access. Interpreter pay and access were limited back then – very different from today.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Shona McGhie and the Magic of the Auckland Sign Singers

Shona McGhie reflects on her time with the Auckland Sign Singers, a group that helped raise awareness of Deaf culture and showed what Deaf performers could do. Rehearsals were often held at Dulcie McKie’s home, with support from Mac McKie and Gavin Gibbons. Shona recalls her favourite song and the challenge of remembering over 25 routines. It was a busy time full of travel, performance, and connection, and a chapter she looks back on fondly.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Switching Between Modes: Total Communication on Stage, NZSL Off

Susie Ovens shares her memories of the well-known Deaf Sign Singers group founded by Dulcie McKie, which used a Total Communication approach. She knew it wasn’t natural signing, and the group would often relax and switch to NZSL during breaks. Still, Susie recalls the performances having a strong impact, especially on hearing audiences who were moved by the group's energy and visual expressions.

NZ Deaf News: February 1984

Can you help?

Establishing the ‘NZ Deaf News’ in 1962

From New Lynn to Avondale: A Necessary Move

Tony Walton on Building a More Accessible Deaf Aotearoa

Shona McGhie and the Magic of the Auckland Sign Singers

Switching Between Modes: Total Communication on Stage, NZSL Off

If you liked this, you might also like...

Teletext helps hard of hearing

Ephpheta: June 1983 (Vol. 6, No. 2)

NZ Deaf News: Autumn 1989 (Vol. 23. No. 1)

Teletext news service begins

NZ Deaf News: Spring 1984 (Vol. 21, No. 3)

Deaf viewers of TVNZ will have news subtitles

NFD Communicate: December 1993

A behind-the-scenes look at the Teletext system

NZ Deaf News: March 1983 (Vol. 20, No. 2)

TVNZ plan deaf service

NFD Journal: September 1988 (Vol. 2, No. 3)