1968
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Winter 1968 (Vol. 5, No. 4)
2001
video – Taonga source: Lorraine Butler
Deaf Diversity – Queer Nation
Queer Nation meets a sporty lesbian with nimble fingers. Lorraine talks about her identity, involvement with Deaf sports, performing and access, emphasising that Deaf people are really no different from hearing people.
2010
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
The Berry Family: Part 2
We take you into the home of the Berrys and look at the lives of deaf New Zealanders. Playing poker is one of this family’s favourite pastimes!
1991
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Signs break the ice
Lower Hutt's Myra Sullivan showing hearing people how to use sign language at a workshop for the deaf held at Wellington College of Education yesterday.
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.
2022
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Being Me: Jared Flitcroft
Jared Flitcroft is a filmmaker, a businessman, a family man, and he is Deaf. Despite being fluent in Te Reo and NZSL, Jared faced barriers in the largely hearing-led film industry where so much depended on him hearing and communicating with those around him. Undeterred, he began creating his own inclusive projects.
1986
article – Taonga source: NZPA
Communing In Silence
Deaf people gatherered near the front of the papal Mass as interpreter Rachel Locker translated for them. She said it was one of the hardest job she had done because of the religious language.
1995
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
A behind-the-scenes look at the Teletext system
During 'Deafness Awareness Week' in 1995, One Network News runs a news clip that highlights why Teletext is invaluable to the Deaf community. Patreena Bryan shares with us how captions give Deaf people equality.
1982
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Coping in a hearing world
Rachel Noble and Donna Allen, both 17 and profoundly deaf, talk about their experiences in education.
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 2)
1989
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf study tour hit by obstacle
Many obstacles, including their deafness, are getting in the way of a planned study to the United States and Britian for Angela and Shelia.
1989
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Spring 1989 (Vol. 23, No. 3)
2006
video – Taonga source: Handmade Productions Aotearoa
Sign of the Times: The Story of New Zealand’s Visual Language
In April 2006, New Zealand Parliament declared NZSL to be an official language - the culmination of a 20-year battle by the deaf community, and a true hallmark in the recognition of their native language. 'Sign of the Times' is about the deaf New Zealanders who fought to have their language recognised as a real language and as a viable means of communication. The film documents the community's celebration of the official recognition of their language and looks at the community's ongoing hopes and aspirations for their language and culture.
1974
article – Taonga source: The Dominion
Deaf people can now use the telephone
So far, four teleprinter phonetype telephones have been installed in the homes of totally deaf people in the Wellington area. They can be hired from the Wellington branch of the New Zealand deaf communications network.
2012
article – Taonga source: Stuff
New TV assistance for deaf viewers
Deaf and hearing-impaired Kiwis are about to get a lot more choice in what they watch on television thanks to closed captioning being introduced on 10 new channels.
2019
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Using sign language as a family
The Fergusons are an average family of five who have fun, sometimes fight but mostly get along. The main difference is that three of them are deaf, and NZSL is the first language for the whole family. How does this work in a busy household with two teens and a toddler? We spend a few days with the Fergusons and discover it works remarkably well. Especially for the eldest Zoe who is exploring advocating for New Zealand deaf youth.
2013
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Fire drill at Auckland University an ‘opportunity’ for deaf students
Auckland University's fire drill on Monday left a deaf student feeling forgotten, but could be an opportunity for change, advocates say. Profoundly deaf psychology student Dean Buckley, 21, didn't know about the evacuation until he saw a fire warden yelling at him, minutes after everyone else in his building had fled outside.
2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
The Watercooler: Deaf Edition
Three Deaf panelists talk about their experiences in communication, schooling, and work. Facilitated by a Deaf MC with interpreted voice over these hilarious, heartwarming experiences give an insight into the Deaf community.
1993
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Sounds or Silence?
In the early 1990s, due to a breakthrough in technology, cochlear implants were starting to become the norm. The Deaf community worldwide viewed cochlear implants as a device that disregarded the need for access to sign language. Others considered such devices a miracle. In 1993, ‘60 Minutes’ investigated this controversial topic in New Zealand.
1968
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Winter 1968 (Vol. 5, No. 4)
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”.
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.
1999
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: Autumn 1999
1992
article – Taonga source: Western Leader
Curry case highlights Deaf plight
A television documentary on the plight of a deaf man has spurred the Glen Eden-based New Zealand Association of the Deaf into action. It wants to see the man, wrongly imprisoned for two years, receive compensation for his ordeal.
1999
video – Taonga source: Rūaumoko Komiti
Mai Time features NZSL!
Mai Time made one of their episodes accessible in NZSL to mark Deaf Awareness Week 1999. KDEC’s sign singing choir and Patrick Thompson made an appearance along with as did Rūaumoko Marae’s kapa haka roopu.
1987
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: April 1987 (Vol. 1, No. 1)
2019
article – Taonga source: The Northern Advocate
New Year Honours: Whangārei’s Kim Robinson, MNZM, deaf community advocate
A trip to the United States in 1990 gave Whangārei man Kim Robinson extra motivation to seek better and equal access for the deaf community in New Zealand. Now, that commitment to ensuring deaf people are heard and their needs met has seen him made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the deaf community in the New Year's Honours List.
1991
article – Taonga source: The Chronicle
Coping with deafness in a hearing world
Cushla and Brian talk about their lives – being Deaf, their experiences at school, employment, and communication.
1992
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
NZSL interpreting course begins
The first NZSL interpreting course has recently started in Auckland, being led by Drs. David and Rachel McKee. We take a peek at one of their NZSL classes, and Rachel predicts the areas of work graduates will go into.
1985
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Ready to lend helping hands to deaf
The class of eight graduates tonight after four months' study learning the variety of sign language used by New Zealand deaf people.
2016
publication – Taonga source: Oticon Foundation
Soundscape: March 2016
1970
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1970 (Vol. 7, No. 4)
1985
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Desperate need in N.Z. for interpreters
Qualified interpreters are desperately needed to cope with the needs of deaf people in New Zealand.
1989
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf angry at threat facing News Review
Deaf people are angered and disappointed by the threat facing the TV show News Review.
1968
article – Taonga source: Unknown
A life few people know
Few people with normal hearing stop to consider the daily frustrations faced by the deaf.
2022
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Unique Wellington school for Deaf students where sign language rules could help more kids, community says
Parents and teachers at a unique school for Deaf students within a school believe more children in Wellington could benefit from the service. And they are calling for a high school to be set up to teach Deaf students across the region.
1992
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: December 1992
2004
video – Taonga source: Rūaumoko Komiti
Opening of the Advance Centre
The opening of the Advance Centre, a tertiary support centre for Deaf and hearing impaired students in the Auckland region, attended by Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for Disability Issues, and Patrick Thompson - Māori Deaf leader.
1994
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf petition to Telecom
Poor access to emergency services for the deaf could result in a death unless some action is taken soon, say advocates for the deaf. A petition has just been launched to ask Telecom to provide a relay service for that deaf people can call for help.
1969
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
In A Silent World
Social Welfare Officer and organising secretary of The Friends of the Deaf in Auckland hopes to provide housing via several units to be known as the Eddowes Memorial Village.
1988
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
They’re naturals for the part
A production this month of the play Children of a Lesser God in Auckland will feature two deaf actors, Bryan Williams and Sheila Gibbons. And the starring role will be played, for the second time, by Gloss actress Miranda Harcourt.
1993
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: September 1993
2006
video – Taonga source: Ko Taku Reo, Deaf Education New Zealand
NZSL becomes an official language of New Zealand
On 6th April 2006, members of the Deaf community and supporters gathered on the steps of parliament to celebrate the NZSL Bill passing its Third Reading, becoming the NZSL Act (2006). This marked the end of a long journey to give NZSL official status in Aotearoa New Zealand. This footage was screened on TV3 that evening.
1981
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Able to talk
For the first time in their lives, Pam and Kay, who are profoundly deaf, can talk to each other by telephone. The Combined Societies for the Deaf is hoping to get telephone-type equipment in airports, police stations, taxi offices and emergency service switchboards.
2017
article – Taonga source: The Northern Advocate
Flashing smoke alarm wakes deaf woman, saves life
Mihiarangi Marsters is living proof smoke alarms save lives. The 71-year-old great-great-grandmother escaped as flames engulfed the kitchen of her Tikipunga home. Deaf since the age of 7, it was the special flashing smoke alarm that woke her and allowed her to grab her 4-year-old great- granddaughter and flee before it was too late.
1989
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Games for deaf demonstrate need
The New Zealand Deaf Sports Association demonstrated in Wellington at the weekend – at its 33rd annual games – how well it would use the Government funds it is hoping for so the association can hire its own interpreters.
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: September 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 3)
1993
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Ivan Curry case has positive spinoff
Some good has resulted from the tragic case of deaf man Ivan Curry who was found not guilty after nearly two years in jail for murder, says the Deaf Association.
1997
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: Autumn 1997
1978
article – Taonga source: The Daily News
Deaf protest TV licences
Fifty deaf people registered a silent protest outside the Auckland Magistrate’s Court yesterday about what they say is the subtle discrimination of New Zealand against deaf people.
1992
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
New Zealand Police Commissioner considers Deaf access to justice
Two weeks after 'The Remand of Ivan Curry' screens on TV1, Police Commissioner John Jamieson meets with Jennifer Brain to work out better procedures for dealing with Deaf people in custody.
1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa
NZAD Newsletter, March 1993
Signed version of the NZAD newsletter in March 1993.
2023
article – Taonga source: Woman’s Day
Erica Dawson’s sign language battle ‘We’re nothing to be afraid of’
"There's still a lot of barriers for deaf people in this country," says Erica, who lost her hearing when she was six months old. "We face all sorts of challenges that hearing people take for granted, such as finding interpreters to help us with schoolwork or meetings at work."
2017
video – Taonga source: AUT Sign Language Section
Deaf Health Stories in NZSL
This project explores the experiences of Deaf New Zealanders in accessing healthcare and health information. 40 Deaf people from around New Zealand share their stories about barriers in this setting as well as strategies they have used in advocating for their right to access information, communication, and make informed decisions.
1980
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
Helen Keller: The great made her their heroine
To mark the centenary of the birth of Helen Keller on June 27, 1880, Pat Dugale has written about unusual experiences in her life.
2019
article – Taonga source: Nelson Mail
Alarm at cuts in support services for Nelson deaf community
Members of Nelson's deaf community say cutbacks in support services from Deaf Aotearoa have left them without access to crucial interpreting help, leaving some in vulnerable situations.
1987
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
News Review now includes ‘hand sign language’
In 1987, News Review became the first New Zealand programme to incorporate NZSL in its production. The show ceased in 1991 and to date, there has not been a similar programme using Deaf presenters or NZSL in full.
2016
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Parenting with Sign Language
We’re alongside Sarah who is Deaf and preparing to give birth to her first child. Having been there twice before, Deaf parents Victoria and Greg, are on hand for advice.
1995
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Michael Wi, Māori Deaf
Michael Wi, is profiled on ‘Marae’, where he shares his experience of growing up as Māori Deaf in a paheka-centric education environment, and learning as an adult about tikanga Māori, and marae protocols.
1997
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Hunga Turi: Māori Deaf have their first accessible stay on a marae
‘Te Karare’ was present to witness members of the Māori Deaf community have their first accessible stay on Kokohinau marae.
1981
article – Taonga source: NZ Listener
Communication
Whakatane teacher Ruth Gerzon looks at some of the problems facing the deaf, in particular the controversy on how they should be taught.
1971
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1971 (Vol. 8, No. 4)
1998
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Hearing Dogs for Deaf people sets up in NZ
A new scheme has begun, to train dogs to become hearing dogs for Deaf people, and also aims to have hearing dogs granted the same access rights as guide dogs for blind people.
1992
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Deaf man misses out on winning a car, claims discrimination
Holmes investigates the case of Wallace Williams, an Auckland Deaf man claiming he is being discriminated against. He won a contest at Hunters Plaza in Auckland for a car but was unable to claim the prize at the time because he could not hear the announcement that he was the winner.
1982
article – Taonga source: NZ Woman’s Weekly
Pat’s deafness helps others
The new field officer for the deaf, Pat says “…deaf people are not morons.”
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: December 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 4)
1991
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: December 1991
1994
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: June 1994
1995
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: July 1995
1983
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Telephones for the deaf
For the first time since they met, Pam and Kaz Witko can talk to each other on the telephone… well, it’s not really talking it’s more like writing letters, only a lot faster.
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.
1993
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: June 1993
1992
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: September 1992
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.
1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa
NZAD Newsletter, November 1993
Jennifer Brain, the President of the New Zealand Association of the Deaf (NZAD) presents their monthly newsletter in NZSL.
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: October 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 4)
1983
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Speech for the deaf
The Minister of Broadcasting was getting in some last-minute swot on sign language, in preparation for a speech tonight to an audience made up mainly of deaf people.
1991
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: March 1991 (Vol. 5, No. 1)
1980
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Good news for Deaf viewers
A weekly news programme for the deaf will be transmitted on Two from February 28, 1980.
2019
video – Taonga source: Merge NZ
The Watercooler: Deaf Youth edition
Deaf Youth in New Zealand sharing experiences and stories from their lives.
1992
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: June 1992
1991
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf find unfair hearings in court
Deaf people have had unfair trials through lack of interpreters telling them what is happening in courts.
1986
article – Taonga source: Zealandia
A capital reception
An interpreter passes on the Pope's message to the deaf during the outdoor Mass at Athletic Park.
2016
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Deaf Auckland University student left alone during fire drill
A deaf student has been left feeling hurt after he was cast aside and forgotten about following a fire drill in a university building. Had it been a proper fire emergency, he would have been in serious danger, he said and wanted to see strobe light alarms installed.
2016
article – Taonga source: The Northern Advocate
Danger for deaf drives campaign
A Northland advocate is behind a campaign to get deaf-friendly fire alarms installed in public buildings, after a deaf university student was left behind during a drill. Whangarei's Kim Robinson, chairman of Deaf Action New Zealand, is driving the petition to make visual fire alarms - similar to what many deaf people have in their homes - mandatory in public buildings.
1974
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Putting Them In Touch: New World Opened For Deaf With ‘Talking Telephones’
Anthony and Christine Walton, both deaf, are recipients of one of the first phonotypes to be installed in the Wellington area.
2019
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Deaf children need better access to New Zealand Sign Language to close the education gap
Lack of access to interpreters means deaf children are missing out on education. There are about 3600 children in the deaf education system, of which about 96 per cent attend mainstream schools. There are just three NZSL educational interpreters working full time with students, meaning most children were missing out.
1987
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: June 1987 (Vol. 1, No. 2)
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.
2016
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Deaf and Blind: Being Me Heather
Fifty-nine-year-old Heather Lawson is deaf and blind. She's been through periods of extreme loneliness and isolation, but by becoming independent through orientation and mobility training has helped her to be heard in a world she once felt she wasn’t part of.
1987-91
video – Taonga source: Susan Thomas
News Review – Montage
A collection of clips from the ‘News Review’ programme 1987-1991.
1991
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald
The sounds of silence
Turn the light on, so I can hear what you're saying. It's an old line, but a favourite one among us hearing-impaired people, because it points up how we "hear" with our eyes as surely as blind people "see" with their fingers or their ears.
1988
article – Taonga source: Capital Times
Deaf society celebrates anniversary
Wellington Deaf Society secretary, Pat Dugdale, is expecting 200 people from around New Zealand to take part in its 50th anniversary celebrations.
1987
article – Taonga source: The Dominion
Communicating from a silent world
Jenny Griffiths, the mother of two profoundly deaf children, talks about communicating with them in Total Communication.
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
News Review covers some difficult topics
Ava Buzzard presents more news in NZSL during the weekly News Review TV show. This segment covered a news report that aired directly after partial coverage of the 16th World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.
1994
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: March 1994
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."
2009
video – Taonga source: Sonia Pivac
Deaf protest against Advance Centre closure
Deaf protest against shutting down the Advance Centre, a tertiary support centre for Deaf and hearing impaired students in the Auckland region.
2022
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Signing avatar could help Deaf Kiwis order at fast food drive-throughs
Arash Tayebi’s idea to develop sign language avatar technology is personal. And while Kara Technologies is still in the pilot stage, Tayebi hopes the technology will become easier to access as 24/7 teachers or in emergencies.
1980
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Specialist in deaf education on NZ visit
From the day a child is diagnosed as being profoundly deaf, he should learn the system of "total communication," advocates Australian educationist Mr Brian Reynolds.
1973
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post
Telephones For The Deaf Are Opening Up A New World Of Communication
A revolutionary device which opens up a whole new world for those born deaf is now being demonstrated in Wellington. New Zealand is the only second country in the world to adopt the system so far.
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.
2017
article – Taonga source: Stuff
St Theresa’s School sets example for NZSL friendly schools
A Porirua school is being heralded as a great example of inclusive education. St Theresa's School in Plimmerton is the focus of a new short documentary by van Asch Deaf Education Centre, which will be used as a resource to show how to effectively integrate deaf education and culture into schools.
1978
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Helping the deaf to communicate
Daniel Beech was in New Plymouth over the weekend to demonstrate a new machine which enables deaf people to use a telephone.
1996
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Deaf Awareness Week 1996
Deaf Awareness Week 1996 begins, with a spotlight on Des Barton, who finds the latest technology in hearing aids a great improvement. Angela Sew Hoy highlights that the week is aiming to raise awareness about Deaf people, their language and culture.
2012
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Deaf Politician Mojo Mathers
Mojo Mathers is New Zealand's first Deaf Member of Parliament. She's using her position to advocate on disability, but she's battled her own prejudices.
1989
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: December 1989 (Vol. 3, No. 4)
2013
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Young and Deaf: Dean’s Story
Dean Buckley is a young Deaf man on a mission. Only eighteen years old, Dean's already experienced a great deal of adversity, and now he's determined to become a leader and advocate for other Deaf teenagers. First up, taking on the challenges of Youth Parliament, representing Deaf MP Mojo Mathers.
1989
article – Taonga source: The Press
Interpreters spent year on training
Nearly 90 Christchurch people have spent the last year training to be interpreters at the World Games for the Deaf, with about 50 deaf people teaching the volunteers their language.
1972
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1972 (Vol. 9, No. 4)
1981
article – Taonga source: Unknown
News special for the deaf
New Zealand's first television programme for deaf people will be broadcast nationally from Christchurch next Saturday.
2015
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Uber calls for review of NZTA restrictions on deaf drivers
Government rules restricting deaf and hearing impaired people from driving taxis need reviewing, Uber says. The ride hire app, which connects customers with private drivers, has just released an app with new features designed to help drivers with impaired hearing.
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
Early 1989: News Review of local and world events
News Review segment focusing on New Zealand and world news including the collapse of a New Zealand company ‘Equiticorp’, an accident at a nuclear reactor in USA, Prime Minister David Lange discussing record high unemployment figures, as well as an earthquake in Russia, among other updates.
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.
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: March 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 1)
1966
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Spring 1966 (Vol. 4, No. 1)
1985
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
First sign language interpreting course
An insight into the teaching and learning of those involved in the first sign language interpreting course in New Zealand 1985.
1970
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: 1970 (Vol. 7, No. 2)
2004
video – Taonga source: Rūaumoko Komiti
The experiences of Māori Deaf
This segment from Māori TV’s Te Hēteri focuses on the experiences of Māori Deaf, catching up with Patrick Thompson, Whiti Ronaki, and Hemi Hema.
1995
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: February 1995
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.
1996
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Patrick Thompson discusses upcoming wānanga for Māori Deaf
Patrick Thompson is interviewed on the ‘Marae’ programme, a bilingual Māori and English language current affairs show, about setting up a wānanga to enable Māori Deaf to access te reo Maori and Tikanga Maori.
2023
article – Taonga source: Bay of Plenty Times
Deaf couple use sign language to organise building a new house
A new house build can be a challenging time for a young couple. But Gregory and Victoria Lessing are also deaf, and undertook a house build from scratch using NZSL.
1983
article – Taonga source: Eastern Suburbs News
Telephone talk for the deaf
Mrs Lilian Walton of Kilbirnie is the proud owner of a new machine which enables deaf people to talk on the phone. For Mrs Walton, the teleprinter means she can "talk" to her deaf son and his deaf wife.
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.
2008
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Nirvana teaching Sign Language
She’s a great mum and teacher and she’s deaf. Nirvana Graham is creating history by teaching our third official language in mainstream school.
1989
article – Taonga source: The Dominion
Board of trustees accepts extra challenges at school for deaf
Board member Ava Buzzard, who has been deaf since birth, is excited by the chance to have a greater role in a school she has been involved with for many years.
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)
1987
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Making sense of silence
The play, Children of a Lesser God, opens at Wellington's Circa Theatre next week. The theatre is arranging a special showing of the play, with an interpreter, for deaf people, their families and tutors.
1992
video – Taonga source: Sue Williams
The Remand of Ivan Curry
A documentary outlining the case of Ivan Curry who, in 1988, was arrested and tried for the murder of his baby nephew. The documentary explores the case and in particular the plight of Ivan Curry who was remanded without bail for 15 months awaiting trial, as well as the difficulty Deaf people face navigating the justice system.
1987
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: December 1987 (Vol. 1 No. 4)
1982
article – Taonga source: AID Magazine
Deaf field officers – their disability is their qualification
In the past 18 months, the NZAD has opened field offices in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, and hopes soon to establish two more in Nelson and Dunedin.
1969
article – Taonga source: The Auckland Star
They’re shut out-lonely and deaf
Trevor Fear, Auckland's newly-appointed deaf welfare officer talks about his experiences, the deaf community and their needs.
2011
video – Taonga source: Asia Downunder
I’m Deaf, Let’s Talk
Meet Karishma Mohan, one of the faces of NZSL Week 2011. Here, we get a glimpse of Karishma's life – both home, work and socially. She is studying to become a teacher with a practicum at Kelston Deaf Education Centre's pre-school.
1998
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
First Deaf graduate of Master in Business Administration
Angela Sew Hoy shares her experiences of being the first Deaf graduate of a Master of Business Administration.
1985
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Overcoming the invisible handicap
It takes only a few minutes in the company of Pat Dugdale to realise that she has a mischievous sense of fun. It’s almost as if she enjoys shocking people and then watching their reaction.