
2017
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Sisters set up deaf cooking class to help deaf people with mental health issues
Two Auckland sisters are helping deaf people living in isolation connect with others through a cooking class. Yolanda Sutton began the cooking class with her deaf sister Natasha Jumelet after they formed the Deaf Wellbeing Society.



2012
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
My Deaf Parents
Parents and teenagers don't always see eye to eye, but what if they speak a different language? This CODA family, with Deaf parents, is learning how to keep the lines of communication.






2016
article – Taonga source: Hawkes Bay Today
Past pupils to reunite 50th Anniversary of the Onekawa School Deaf Unit
This weekend past and present pupils of Onekawa School will be coming together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Onekawa School Deaf Unit. From March 22 to March 25, ex-pupils and friends of the Onekawa deaf unit will meet in Hawke's Bay to remember their schooling experiences, share stories and visit the site of the old unit.


NZSL Stories


2017
article – Taonga source: Western Leader.
Milestone in deaf education
A multimillion dollar education centre is helping deaf students communicate. More than 400 people attended the opening of the Kelston Deaf Education Centre (KDEC) rebuild on February 28, 2017.




Est. 1970
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Society Indoor Bowls: Singles Championship – Leslie Barrett Memorial





NZSL Stories


2016
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
NZSL has become an integral part of Coffee Educators
Not long after opening Co-Ed Cafe and the associated training school, Claire Matheson began running courses for students of Newlands College Deaf Unit. NZSL is now used in meetings and training, and they have menus in sign language.






2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
Interview: Jamie Brown from Merge NZ talks about the impacts and benefits of learning NZSL
Jaime Brown, Merge NZ Co-Director, learned NZSL and didn't just find a language, but a community and a passion. Seecus talks to Jaime about the impacts NZSL has had for her and the benefits of learning sign language.








Est. 1992
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE
Rūaumoko Marae
Rūaumoko Marae has been part of Deaf Māori community for 30 years and is a central part of Deaf Māori community. It's a place where Deaf Māori can just be; they can connect and learn about te ao Māori.


Est. 1985
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Fishing Trophy: Lake Ferry







Est. 1990
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
Women’s Ten Pin Bowling Interclub: New Zealand Games for the Deaf





NZSL Stories


2015
article – Taonga source: The Wellingtonian
Sign language menu tests guests
CQ Restaurant in Cuba St has launched a NZSL menu where guests sign to order their meal. Talia Carlisle tests her knowledge during NZSL Week.


2018
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Central Zone Deaf Rugby Union: 25 Years, Inter-Zonal Championship (1993-2018)







2018
publication – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
Deaf Southern Star: 2018 (Vol. 40, No. 1)





2018
article – Taonga source: Stuff
An ‘inspirational’ deaf teacher is teaching sign language to hearing toddlers
One deaf teacher in south Auckland has inspired several toddlers and their parents to learn sign language.







2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
History through Young Eyes: Interview with Jeff Went
Jeff Went talks about his involvement with Deaf sports and the 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch where he volunteered as an ‘international interpreter’ doing 12 hour days over 12 days!





NZSL Stories


2015
publication – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society
Absolutely Positively Windy Deaf: May 2015



NZSL Stories


Est. 2000
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Fishing Club: Crap Fishing of the Year





NZSL Stories


2017
video – Taonga source: Meghan Coppage
Memories of Susan Hamilton
Susan Hamilton is interviewed by Meghan Coppage, where she recounts a range of experiences from her life. From growing up at a Deaf school, to her memories of time in the Deaf community in bygone days, to seeing the changes at Kelston Deaf Education Centre including the transition to new school building.




2018
video – Taonga source: Darryl Alexander
The Making of an NZSL Friendly School
The Making of a NZSL Friendly School follows Andre, who began as a new entrant at the school in 2016, and the journey of his teachers, classmates and wider school community in learning NZSL and incorporating it into school curriculum.




2012
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Souvenir Coaster: Manawatu Deaf Society’s 50th Anniversary







2015
publication – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
Deaf Southern Star: 2015 (Vol. 37, No. 2)





2011
article – Taonga source: Timaru Herald
Deaf call for more interpreters
Christchurch's devastating earthquakes changed the lives of many people. Timaru couple Julie Nielson and Paul O'Donnell could finally turn off their television subtitles thanks to the sign language interpreters who stood beside Christchurch mayor Bob Parker as he addressed the public on a daily basis.




2011
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Special votes win deaf MP a seat
Mojo Mathers' rise to Parliament has been labelled a success not just for the Green Party, but also for the New Zealand deaf community.







2019
Images – Taonga source: Central Zone Deaf Rugby Union
Team Photo: Central Zone Deaf Rugby Union, 26th National Deaf Rugby Inter-Zonal Championship, 2019




2017
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Deaf Short Film Festival celebrates New Zealand’s deaf talent and culture
Wellington is famous for always having a film festival on, but one coming up this weekend is more than just noise. The Deaf Short Film Festival is held every second year, and has two main parts – the short film competition, and the film festival itself, which is a showcase of the competition entries and a selection of short films made both in New Zealand and overseas.







Est. 1982
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Society Inc: Sportsperson of Year







2016
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
The Deaf Rugby Team: Part One
The first of a three-part series about the Marlins; a group of rugby mad Kiwi blokes who all happen to be Deaf.






2014
publication – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society
Absolutely Positively Windy Deaf: May 2014









Est. 1922
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE
Deaf Society of Canterbury
The Deaf Society of Canterbury is New Zealand’s oldest Deaf Club, established in the mid 1920s. It has provided the inspiration for the development of other clubs around the country, including Auckland. Dennis Tod and Sue Penman have done a great job of rounding up some of the films from the Canterbury Deaf community.


2018
video – Taonga source: Deaf Children New Zealand
NZSL and Us: Zenos Tamihana, Auckland
Zenos Tamihana comes from a large, loving family that cares deeply about his communication needs. He is a lively, happy young boy who loves sports and attends Kelston Primary School in Auckland. Zenos has a teacher who is Deaf herself and uses NZSL in class. Zenos thrives at home and at school largely thanks to full access to language and communication.














