HomePublicationsNZ Deaf News: Summer 1963-64 (Vol. 1, No. 2)

NZ Deaf News: Summer 1963-64 (Vol. 1, No. 2)

Some of the items featured in the 1963/64 Summer Issue of ‘NZ Deaf News’ (Vol. 1, No. 2):

  • District ‘Round-Up’ from Auckland Deaf Society, Christchurch Deaf Club, Dunedin Deaf Club, Manawatu Deaf Club, Waikato Deaf Club and Wellington Deaf Society.
  • On August 31, 1963, a new society was formed – ‘Dunedin Deaf Club’ which parted from the League from the Hard of Hearing. With 23 members, club nights are at the Octagon Hall every second Saturday night.
  • Members from Invercargill visited Dunedin to compete in a friendly tournament with table tennis, darts and droughts, with Dunedin retaining the Chilwell Shield.
  • The search begins for the oldest Deaf person in New Zealand, with Maude Steel (nee Tall) recently celebrating her 80th.
  • Deaf Organisations
  • TV/Media
NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Four Deaflympics: From Judo to Wrestling to Sumo

Milton competed in four Deaflympics before retiring at age 48. His first was in 1989, but he represented Australia instead of New Zealand. He was ineligible to play for NZ under a rule that required six months of residency. Though disappointed, he went on to win gold in the 90 to 100 kg wrestling division. His background in judo helped him succeed. Toward the end of his career, he also gave sumo a go and earned a bronze medal.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Milton Reedy

Inspired by Robert Algie: Milton’s Wrestling Journey

Milton, who competed in four Deaflympics, credits Robert Algie as a major influence on his wrestling career. He was inspired after watching Robert win two silver medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman at the 1981 World Deaf Games. Milton began training in Auckland but only started competing after moving to Australia. He fondly recalls crossing paths with Robert at a 1985 competition in Melbourne, and watching his rise to the 1986 Commonwealth Games and qualification for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which he sadly had to withdraw from after a cancer diagnosis. Milton later visited Robert’s grave in Featherston and remains grateful for the inspiration that shaped his sporting journey.
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, DN1963-1-2-MJN
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.