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.

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.

Ann Croy

Bev Hickson-Snook

Bev Hickson-Snook

Breda Carty

Claire Raisin

David McKee

Dennis Cunniffe

Dennis Cunniffe

Freda Pearce (Hassan)

Freda Pearce (Hassan)

Jeff (Jeffrey) Went

Jeff (Jeffrey) Went

Kath Smith

Kevin Pivac

Laurie Schischka

Laurie Schischka

Lee Bullivant

Lindsay Jones

Margaret Coutts

Margaret Coutts

Maureen Seth

Ngaire Doherty

Pam Witko (Howell)

Pam Witko (Howell)

Pat Dugdale

Rachel Locker McKee

Rachel Locker McKee

Terry (Terence) Kane

Terry (Terence) Kane

Tony (Anthony) Walton

Tony (Anthony) Walton

Warwick Flintoff

Warwick Flintoff

Taonga source:

New Zealand Deaf News

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DN1990-24-2-MJN

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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article – Taonga source: The Dominion

Job Advertisement: Interpreters for the Deaf

Applications are invited for the first New Zealand course of interpreter training.

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.

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.

Object – Taonga source: Hawkes Bay Deaf Club

Souvenir Paperweight: Deaf View Conference, November 1991

Hawkes Bay Deaf Club

article – Taonga source: Harbour News

Tech course to help the deaf

A significant step for New Zealand's deaf community has been taken this week. The country's first permanent sign language interpreters' course began on Monday at the Auckland Institute of Technology. At present there are only four official interpreters servicing New Zealand's more than 24,000 deaf people. Sixteen students from around the country started the two-year course this week.

Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Tee Shirt: INTERPRETER, XI World Games for the Deaf

Manawatu Deaf Society

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

publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: September 1990

Auckland Deaf Society

publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: June 1991

Auckland Deaf Society

publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: October 1990

Auckland Deaf Society