biography
Profile
Susan Hamilton
Susan was a very active sportswoman who loved being involved in the Deaf community, regularly attending all community events. A renowned Deaf golfer who could be found out on the green each Saturday, Susan was also the President of the Deaf Association from 1994 to 1998 and its Patron from 2008 to 2016.
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.
NZSL Stories
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.
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.
1982
article – Taonga source: NZPA
Teletext news service begins
Teletext, TVNZ’s new information service for disabled and general users, will be introduced on February 1. It has cost about $1 million to set up and part of the money came from the 1981 Telethon.
1993
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: September 1993
NZSL Stories
1984
article – Taonga source: Southern News
Deaf people can need psychiatric help
Profoundly deaf people, particularly those deaf from birth of an early age, have needs which are not being met by the existing psychiatric services and institutions, says Pat Dugdale, Field Officer for the New Zealand Association of the Deaf.
NZSL Stories
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.
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.
1992
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: September 1992
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.
1999
video – Taonga source: Rūaumoko Komiti
Deaf Association opens its new Auckland office
The Deaf Association of New Zealand opens its new offices on Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland in November 1999.
NZSL Stories
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.
2007
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Deaf people being left on the outer
A shortage of sign language interpreters means as many as 7700 deaf people are struggling to access services in their communities.
NZSL Stories
1990
article – Taonga source: NZ Herald
Ivan Curry case goes to police authority
The Police Minister expects the Police Complaints Authority to inquire into questions arising from the documentary 'The Remand of Ivan Curry'.
1987
article – Taonga source: Sunday Times
Getting the deaf off their hands
Auckland film-maker Ann Andrews has embarked on a project that Television New Zealand initially regarded as unpalatable last year She is making a film about deaf people. Anne is allowing the deaf to use their first language – sign language.
1991
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: March 1991 (Vol. 5, No. 1)
NZSL Stories
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.
NZSL Stories
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.
NZSL Stories
1999
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: Autumn 1999
1989
article – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society
Deaf angry at threat facing News Review
Deaf people are angered and disappointed by the threat facing the TV show News Review.
1987-91
video – Taonga source: Susan Thomas
News Review – Montage
A collection of clips from the ‘News Review’ programme 1987-1991.
biography
Profile
Lynette Pivac (MBE)
In 1996, Lynette was awarded the Member of British Empire for her services in Deaf education and sign language. She mostly initiated the development of NZSL resources, the training of NZSL tutors and involvement in NZSL teaching issues at national level. She advocated for NZSL and Deaf Studies to be introduced into Deaf education and was the first Deaf Board of Trustees Chairperson.
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.
NZSL Stories
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.
NZSL Stories
1990
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: September 1990 (Vol. 4, No. 3)
NZSL Stories
1997
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: Autumn 1997
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.
1990s
Object – Taonga source: Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
Uniphone [1150 TTY]