HomePublicationsNZ Deaf News: Spring/Summer 1990/91 (Vol. 24. No. 2)

NZ Deaf News: Spring/Summer 1990/91 (Vol. 24. No. 2)

Some of the items featured in the Spring/Summer 1990/91 (Vol. 24, No. 2) issue of ‘New Zealand Deaf News’: 

  • NFD along with ATI have agreed to have the Interpreter Training Course at the Institute starting in February 1992. The Ministry of Education under Labour will be covering most of the funding. 
  • NZ on Air has put aside $1 million dollars for deaf viewers. Jeff Went has been co-opted onto NZAD to be responsible corresponding with the Deaf community on this. 
  • NZAD introduces its two new staff members – Bev Snook (Welfare Co-ordinator), and Maureen Seth (Information Officer. 
  • Margaret Coutts received the Commemorative Medal in December 1990, in recognition of her services to Christchurch Deaf Society, the NZ Association of the Deaf, and the NZ Deaf Sports Association, also for her work as Vice-Chairperson for the World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch 1989. 
  • A new sport, Ten Pin Bowling was included in the 1990 Games for the first time. 
  • Deaf Organisations
  • TV/Media
NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Switching Between Modes: Total Communication on Stage, NZSL Off

Susie Ovens shares her memories of being part of the well-known Deaf Sign Singers group founded by Dulcie McKie, which embraced a Total Communication approach. She recalls being aware that the style wasn’t “natural signing,” and that the group would often unwind and switch to more natural NZSL during their breaks. Despite this, Susie notes the performances had a powerful impact—especially on hearing audiences, who were moved and captivated by the visual expression and energy of the group.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Shona McGhie and the Magic of the Auckland Sign Singers

Shona McGhie reflects on her vibrant time with the Auckland Sign Singers – a group that helped raise public awareness of Deaf culture and showed the world that Deaf people could truly shine. With rehearsals often held at Dulcie McKie’s home, and with the support of Mac MacKie and Gavin Gibbons, the group poured heart and energy into their performances. Shona shares memories of her favourite song and the challenge of remembering over 25 different routines. It was a whirlwind of travel, performance, and connection – and for Shona, a truly beautiful chapter in her life.
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.
Taonga source:
New Zealand Deaf News
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DN1990-24-2-MJN
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