Est. 2011
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society
Wellington Deaf Society Poker Championship
NZSL Stories
2023
article – Taonga source: The Northland Age
Deaf Kerikeri bowler Craig McKeogh to represent NZ at World Bowls Champs
It’s an old saying that mother knows best. So when Craig McKeogh’s mum Velda McKeogh suggested he take up bowls to ‘keep him out of trouble’ he took up the advice. And it’s sound advice that has worked out well, with Craig - who has been deaf almost since birth - selected to represent New Zealand at the World Bowls Championships in Edinburgh in August.
2020
video – Taonga source: Elizabeth Hines
Memories of triple World Deaf Games champion John Ooteman
New Zealand’s most acclaimed Deaf gold medallist, John Ooteman was a triple World Games for the Deaf champion (Koln 1981, Los Angeles 1985, Christchurch 1989). His story is told through the eyes of Elizabeth Hines, his Deaf sister.
NZSL Stories
2023
video – Taonga source: Māori Television
Mother’s plea to see Aotearoa more sensitive to deaf community
Sign language is one of three official languages of Aotearoa, but Tofi Au’vaa says it's still a struggle educating people about the challenges faced by the deaf community.
Est. 1937
COLLECTIONS – CURATED BY SIGNDNA: DEAF NATIONAL ARCHIVE
Auckland Deaf Society
Established in 1937, Auckland Deaf Society (ADS) is New Zealand’s largest (and second oldest) Deaf Club. Previously called the 'Auckland Adult Deaf Society' and the 'Deaf Welfare Centre', the club’s original home was at an old shop on 47 Parnell Road in Auckland, before moving to 164 Balmoral Road with enormous support from the 'Friends of the Deaf'. Auckland Deaf Society is now located at 16 Hillsborough Road.
2023
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Meredith Karim can listen and speak, but she thinks in sign language
Meredith Karim was just five months old when she started using NZSL to communicate. She was born a hearing child to deaf parents, often known by the acronym CODA. She says while most people have a voice talking in their heads expressing their thoughts, she visualises hers in NZSL.
2021
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Treated like a criminal’: Deaf traveller’s ‘terrible experience’ returning to New Zealand
A Deaf woman is calling for airlines and airports to better equip staff to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing travellers after a “terrible experience” returning to New Zealand from Rarotonga that made her feel she was being “treated like a criminal”.
2024
Object – Taonga source: Hawkes Bay Deaf Club
Souvenir Coaster: Hawkes Bay Deaf Club’s 60th Anniversary
NZSL Stories
Est. 1990
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Social Club: Men’s Singles – Pool
2023
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald.
Whaikaha the first ministry with a name in all of NZ’s official languages
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People has become the first and only government ministry with a name in all three of New Zealand’s official languages.
1990s
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Wall Mounted Honour Board at Manawatu Deaf Society, in Memorial of Joan Caroline Bailey
2021
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Burger King staff yell and swear at Deaf man ordering dinner for his kids
Barry Kay just wanted to order dinner for his kids at Burger King. The Christchurch builder had written his order in big letters on a piece of paper for the drive-through, as he had done before. But when he handed over his order at the window on Friday, the operator told him to go inside.
2022
article – Taonga source: The Northern Advocate
Northland marae set up te reo and deaf sign programmes to grow national languages
Twenty marae across Northland want to grow the number of whānau who can speak te reo Māori ... in sign language. An eight week course, He Aha, is about to get under way to help whānau improve communication with tangata turi.
2023
article – Taonga source: The Northland Age
Sign of the times: Teaching of New Zealand’s third official language growing ‘bigger and better’
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania may be the best-known Far North face learning NZSL, but he’s in growing company.
2021
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald.
Deaf Northlander Eddie Hokianga urges Māori to turn their hand towards trilingual interpreter roles
Northland sign language tutor Eddie Hokianga has taken up the task of ensuring the region's deaf Māori community is heard. Hokianga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou) has spent the last three years teaching te reo sign language to help fill a national void of interpreters fluent in the discourse.
2023
video – Taonga source: Speak Up Kōrerotia
Speak Up Kōrerotia – Deaf Education in Aotearoa
This special NZSL Week show looks at the history and progression of deaf education in Aotearoa over time, from the oral method of communication taught for decades to the current use and teaching of NZSL. We interview Kay Drew (former teacher at the Van Asch Deaf Education Centre in Christchurch, and a CODA - child of deaf adults) and Sara Pivac Alexander (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University)
2022
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Souvenir Mug: Manawatu Deaf Society’s 60th Anniversary, 1962-2022
2021
video – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society
Wellington Deaf Society: Welcome Home Party!
Wellington Deaf Society finally has a new home, a new Deaf Club! A formal opening on Saturday 24 April 2021 to celebrate its new building since selling its Marion Street building in 2015.
2023
article – Taonga source: Stuff
What it’s like doing the Oxfam Trailwalker when you’re Deaf
The first time Monica Leach took part in the Oxfam Trailerwalker was with a group of hearing friends. Leach, who is Deaf and uses NZSL, found it difficult to communicate with the team. But last weekend, her team Deaf Power Walk completed it in Taranaki as an all-Deaf team.
2021
article – Taonga source: The Northern Advocate
Deaf community rally for fully funded sign language interpreters at festivals and events
Northland's deaf community are rallying to get sign language interpreters at major events, anniversaries and festivals such as Waitangi Day and Anzac Day commemorations. Deaf Action NZ and Tū Tāngata Turi want the Government to fully fund New Zealand sign language interpreters for formal coverage of events, along with social interpreting throughout the day.
2021
article – Taonga source: Nelson Mail.
Face masks creating anxiety and stress in the Deaf community
Stress and anxiety is bubbling in the Deaf community as it struggles to communicate with the public through face masks. They were “struggling” at the supermarket because they relied on lipreading to communicate. “Masks are creating a bit of a problem."
Est. 1985
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Gordon Cup: Most Outstanding Woman Player – Basketball
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.
2022
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Aotearoa’s first Deaf marae celebrates 30 years of empowering Turi Māori
Friday marks 30 years since the opening of the country’s first marae for Deaf and hard of hearing Māori. Since 1992, Rūaumoko Marae, in West Auckland’s Kelston, has been a place where Deaf students can learn about te ao Māori.
2022
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Deaf community to be consulted on NZSL Act but advocate fears they will be ignored
The first NZSL-led consultation to amend current legislation has opened, but advocates fear their advice will be ignored.
2020
article – Taonga source: Waikato Times
Masks causing issues for deaf Waikato man
Wearing a face mask is meant to help slow the spread of Covid-19. But for Tokoroa’s Roger Drower, who is partially deaf, they’ve left him feeling discriminated and isolated.
Est. 2003
Object – Taonga source: Hawkes Bay Deaf Club
Hawkes Bay Deaf Club Shield: Achievement of the Year
NZSL Stories
2020
article – Taonga source: Stuff
I feel included’: How press briefings with NZSL are making a difference
For many people in the Deaf community, the coronavirus pandemic was the most they had ever seen their language on television. But its meant more than simply accessing information – it includes the Deaf community in conversations.
Est. 2010
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Fishing Trips: Funny Story
Est. 1990
Object – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
Manawatu Deaf Social Club: Men’s Doubles – Pool