HomePublicationsNZ Deaf News: June 1984 (Vol. 21, No. 2)

NZ Deaf News: June 1984 (Vol. 21, No. 2)

Some of the items featured in the June 1984 (Vol. 21, No. 2) issue of ‘New Zealand Deaf News’:

  • Bruce McHattie, the foundation president of the NZAD retired after six years as the president. His efforts are listed and recognised in this issue. 
  • The subscription for NZ Deaf News has been raised to $5 after many years at $2, to cover its costs. 
  • During Deaf Awareness Week, half of the Independent Theatre of the Deaf crew members went touring the South Island – Christchurch, Dunedin and finally, Wellington for one week. Altogether, they gave 24 performances. 
  • A dictionary of TTY owners is being compiled by the co-ordinator of the NZ Deaf Communications Network. Thanks to the Telethon grants, there are now about 100 TTYs in the Auckland area alone. 
  • Results of Manawatu Deaf Society’s annual picnic, including its Mr Muscle competition!
  • Dunedin hosts the NZ Deaf Sports Convention with 250 people competing in many different sports, the first time such an event was hosted in Dunedin!
  • NZDSA organises a nationwide lottery to send a team to the Los Angeles World Deaf Games in 1985. Prizes consist of a car, Teletext TV, microwave oven. Tickets are $2!
  • Deaf Organisations
  • TV/Media
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Where NZSL Thrives: The Power of Deaf Sport Gatherings

Tony Walton reflects on the importance of the NZ Deaf Games, once called the Sports Convention, held every Labour Weekend. It was more than just sport. It brought Deaf people together to socialise and sign in NZSL. Local delegates organised the event, while NZDSA awarded the Player of the Year and Aotearoa Turi Shield. A proposal to make the Games biennial was first rejected but later accepted. Looking back, Tony wishes it had stayed annual.
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.
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: Shona McGhie

Wearing Two Hats: Shona on Leading NZ Deaf Sports

Shona McGhie shares her experience in the 1980s and 90s juggling two roles. She was both Secretary of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and Administrator of the NZ Deaf Games. As Administrator, she ensured the host city met all requirements to run the Sports Convention smoothly. She organised meetings, AGMs, and worked closely with delegates on teams, rules, and bylaws. Shona held the role for three years, helping keep Deaf sport in New Zealand running strong.
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.
Taonga source:
New Zealand Deaf News
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DN1984-21-2-MJN
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