1969
video – Taonga source: Janice and Gary Howard

Annual Auckland Picnic at Orewa, 1969

Members of the Auckland Deaf Society and friends attend the annual picnic at Orewa Beach in March 1969.
Janice and Gary Howard
2000
video – Taonga source: Hilda Tamepo

Memories of John McRae

John McRae is filmed at his home in Napier where he lived with his wife Verna. John explains some highlights from his life story including his experiences at school, travelling the world for Deaf sports, and his involvement in the Deaf community. The video includes his commentary of various photos and objects in their house.
Hilda Tamepo
1958
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Carnival: Friends of the Deaf stall, 1958

The Friends of the Deaf group man a fundraising stall at the Auckland Carnival in Western Springs, Auckland in January 1958.
Auckland Deaf Society
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.
Asia Downunder
1981
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

World Deaf Games, Köln 1981

New Zealand team goes to XIV World Games for the Deaf in Köln, Germany in 1981.
Manawatu Deaf Society
2003
video – Taonga source: Sue Williams

Wallace Williams: A compilation of interviews and footage

A compilation of various footage where Wallace’s friends speak about their memories of Wallace including footage of Wallace at Auckland Deaf Society events.
Sue Williams
1997
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

NFD Communicate: Spring 1997

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1951
video – Taonga source: Owen Gibbons

Picnic at Duders Beach

Auckland Deaf community hold their annual picnic at Duders Beach, 1951.
Owen Gibbons
1958
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre building progress

The building of the Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre, followed by footage of the Balmoral Bowling Club, and the newly opened Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
1962
article – Taonga source: Unknown

Deafness helps him to be champ

Stewart Smith, deaf secretary of the Deaf Welfare Centre, has rounded off a successful season by winning the Auckland indoor centre's champion-of-champion singles.
1960s
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Picnic at Orewa Beach

Deaf people get together at John and Verna McRae’s place before heading to Orewa, Auckland for the Annual ADS Picnic.
Auckland Deaf Society
1976
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: March 1976 (Vol. 13, No. 4)

1998
video – Taonga source: Abbie Twiss

Auckland Deaf Society hosts a Derby Race Night!

An action filled evening at ADS with a Deaf modelling show followed by an Auckland Deaf Drag Queen contest and finally a derby race competition!
Abbie Twiss
2016
video – Taonga source: Seek the World

Mingling with locals at Auckland Deaf Club

Two visitors from America (Seek the World and Motion Savvy) gives a short presentation at Auckland Deaf Society on a tablet app that understands sign language. Calvin Young gives a brief tour of the Deaf Club and chats with its President, John Schischka.
Seek the World
1970
video – Taonga source: Pam and Doug Croskery

Deaf social rugby match: Married vs Single men

An informal annual rugby game between teams of Deaf men, married and single, which was played on one of Kelston Deaf Education Centre’s fields.
Pam and Doug Croskery
1956
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Adult Deaf Picnic: Trip to Motuihe Domain

Deaf adults enjoy ice cream, beer and dressing up in bathing suits, whilst observing HMNZ Tamaki navy recruits practise on Motuihe Island.
Auckland Deaf Society
1975
video – Taonga source: Janice and Gary Howard

Auckland Netball Club’s 1st Birthday

The Auckland Deaf Netball Club runs a social event to celebrate its first anniversary in 1976.
Janice and Gary Howard
2002
video – Taonga source: Sara Pivac Alexander

International Postcard: New Zealand

DeafTV from Denmark makes a trip to New Zealand to feature the country and its Deaf community on its ‘International Postcard’ series, with scenes from a normal Friday night at the Deaf Club, a trip to the Deaf Association office. The Deaf Danish crew are also welcomed onto the Rūaumoko Marae.
Sara Pivac Alexander
1990
video – Taonga source: Richard Hay

Annual Picnic at Long Bay 1990

Auckland Deaf Society’s annual picnic at Long Bay where members compete in the 100m sprint (and fake starts!) and the boys show off their bodybuilding moves.
Richard Hay
1958
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Foundation Stone Ceremony

The foundation stone ceremony for the Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre 1958.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
2003
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

Auckland’s ‘Deaf Grandmother’ celebrates her 90th at ADS!

Kathleen French, Auckland’s ‘Deaf Grandmother’ and a life member of Auckland Deaf Society celebrates her 90th birthday party at the Balmoral clubroom on 24 May 2003 with approximately 140 people attending.
Dorothy Jones
2008
video – Taonga source: Brent Macpherson

My Second Home: Auckland Deaf Society

A 43-minute documentary taking you through the history of Auckland Deaf Society, the second home of the Deaf community of Auckland.
Brent Macpherson
2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

History through Young Eyes: Interview with Owen Gibbons

Former Auckland Deaf Society President and life member, Owen Gibbons says that one of his best memories was travelling to the World Deaf Games as part of the New Zealand Deaf basketball mens team. His eyes “literally popped out at what he saw over there!”
Auckland Deaf Society
1952
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Deaf Day Trip to Orewa!

During one of the first New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention in Auckland 1952, a group of Deaf take a day trip to Orewa.
Auckland Deaf Society
2006
video – Taonga source: Dan Hanks

Mardi Gras celebrations

Auckland Deaf Society, about to close for a total building redevelopment, hosts a final social event: a Mardi Gras at the Deaf Club.
Dan Hanks
Deaf Picnics
Deaf Picnics
Deaf Picnics
Collection
Collection

Deaf Picnics

Everyone loves a good picnic, especially if you’re Deaf and the picnic is organised by your local Deaf Club! Collection of archival items related to Deaf picnics over the years, with videos, images, news snippets from newsletters and later, NZSL stories!
1993
video – Taonga source: Hilda Tamepo

John & Laura Hunt’s farewell party

A farewell party is thrown for John and Laura Hunt at the Auckland Deaf Society, prior to their move to Melbourne. The farewell was attended by over 100 members of the Auckland Deaf community.
Hilda Tamepo
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.
1987
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

NFD Journal: June 1987 (Vol. 1, No. 2)

National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1990
video – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Prizegiving evening: 34th NZ Games for the Deaf (Auckland)

The 34th New Zealand Games for the Deaf, hosted by Auckland, concludes with a prizegiving and social evening at Auckland Deaf Society 1990.
Jeff Went
2000
video – Taonga source: Janice and Gary Howard

ADS Netball Club’s 25th Jubilee

The Auckland Deaf Society Netball team celebrates their 25th Jubilee in April, 2000.
Janice and Gary Howard
2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

History through Young Eyes: Interview with Ngaire Doherty

Saynab Muse, a Tu Kokiri student interviews Ngaire Doherty, ex-President of Auckland Deaf Society at the Balmoral clubroom.
Auckland Deaf Society
1952
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Annual Picnic at Orewa Beach 1952

Auckland Deaf Adult Society’s annual picnic takes place north of Orewa beach.
Auckland Deaf Society
1990
video – Taonga source: Jeff Went

The Miss Deaf New Zealand competition, 1990

Coverage of the Miss Deaf New Zealand competition, hosted during the 34th New Zealand Games for the Deaf social evening at Auckland Deaf Society, October 1990.
Jeff Went
1969
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Deaf men chat outside Auckland Deaf Society clubrooms

A group of men from the ADS basketball club are seen chatting outside the Auckland Deaf Society Clubrooms.
Auckland Deaf Society
1990s
video – Taonga source: Hilda Tamepo

Deaf kaumatua celebrates 50 years of life at Auckland Deaf Society

The 50th birthday of Ivan Tamepo - a respected Deaf elder – is celebrated at ADS, with a karanga, powhiri, waitaia and celebrations in the back hall and upstairs clubroom.
Hilda Tamepo
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!
Auckland Deaf Society
1981
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: June 1981 (Vol. 18, No. 2)

1990
video – Taonga source: Victoria University of Wellington

Miss Auckland Deaf Beauty Queen Contest

Amateur footage of the Miss Auckland Deaf Beauty Queen Contest held at the Auckland Deaf Centre 1990.
Victoria University of Wellington
2006
video – Taonga source: Dan Hanks

Last Friday night at Auckland Deaf Society before the rebuild

Footage and interviews from the final Friday night at Deaf Club at Auckland Deaf Society before its long-awaited re-development in 2006.
Dan Hanks
1958
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Auckland Easter Show 1958

Fascinating footage from the Auckland Easter show 1958, including brief footage of Deaf visitors to the show.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
2007
video – Taonga source: Dan Hanks

Auckland Deaf Society re-opens after 11 month rebuild

Footage and interviews from the opening night of the newly redeveloped Auckland Deaf Society clubrooms late August 2007.
Dan Hanks
1968
article – Taonga source: Unknown

From Being Shut Out – World Of Fun Opens For Deaf

Weekly yoga exercises at the Deaf Welfare Centre in Balmoral, where the instructor knocks the floor so the class knows when the time has come to "breathe out".
1954
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Balmoral Working Bee

Deaf members of the Auckland Adult Deaf Society clear the Balmoral Road property before construction of the main hall.
Auckland Deaf Society
1975
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

The Auckland Deaf Centre

A glimpse into the Auckland Deaf Centre, showing Deaf people playing pool, badminton, reading, having coffee and talking in sign language.
Television New Zealand Archive
1992
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt

Compiling ‘The Story of the Auckland Deaf Society Inc 1937 – 1987’ book

John was keen to know about the history of Auckland Deaf Society, and upon the approval of the Board of Management, he compiled a book two years before the 50th Anniversary of ADS. It took him three years to finish the book, and it was released one year after the anniversary.
John Hunt
1961
article – Taonga source: Unknown

Team for deaf games backed

The Auckland Deaf Society has reversed a previous decision and decided to support the team being sent to the Olympic Games for deaf people in Helsinki in August by the Wellington Deaf Sports Club.
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.
Attitude Pictures
2000
video – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

ADS Basketball Club 50th Jubilee

The Auckland Deaf Society Basketball Club celebrate their ‘Golden’ Anniversary, their 50th anniversary, at the ADS Balmoral clubrooms where people share their memories of being involved in the basketball club.
Shona McGhie
1962
article – Taonga source: The Auckland Star

Seven to make debut at ball for the deaf

Seven young girls will make their debut at a ball to be held by the Auckland Deaf Society; they will dance the debutante walz without hearing the music.
1981
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Deaf athletes visit Disneyland en route to the World Games for the Deaf in Köln!

New Zealand athletes stopover at Los Angeles on the way to the World Games for the Deaf in Köln, and make the most of the trip with a visit to Disneyland!
Manawatu Deaf Society
1958
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Laying foundations at Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre

A group of Deaf men busily work on laying the foundations for the new Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre, later to become the property of the Auckland Deaf Society.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
1974
article – Taonga source: Unknown

Hostel for deaf out of funds, faces closure

Balmoral's Deaf Welfare Centre will be forced to close its hostel next week unless it gets financial help.
1990
video – Taonga source: Richard Hay

Miss Deaf Auckland!

The Auckland Deaf community gathers for the Miss Deaf Auckland competition, organised by Adrienne Killen. The top three are selected to represent Auckland in the upcoming Miss Deaf New Zealand pageant.
Richard Hay
1973
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: 1973 (Vol. 10, No. 1)

1986
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: Summer 1986 (Vol. 22, No. 3)

2003
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

ADS Badminton Club celebrates its 40th birthday!

The ADS Badminton Club, well known for recognising its milestones, has a well-attended dinner at Auckland Deaf Society to celebrate its 40th birthday!
Dorothy Jones
2006
video – Taonga source: Dan Hanks

President gives tour of old Auckland Deaf Society building

Auckland Deaf Society President Kevin Pivac gives a tour of the Club’s building prior to its demolition and rebuild.
Dan Hanks
2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

History through Young Eyes: Interview with Susie Ovens

A Tu Kokiri student interviews Susie Ovens on her involvement with the infamous Deaf Sign Singers group.
Auckland Deaf Society
1956
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Auckland Carnival 1956

Friends of the Deaf prepare a float for the Auckland Carnival, 1956, along with some footage of the float parade.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
2003
video – Taonga source: DEAFinitely Youth Group

The first Wallace Williams Comedy Evening kicks off!

The first ever Wallace Williams Comedy Evening kicks off in 2003, as a fundraiser for Deaf Youth to attend the WFD Congress in Montreal, Canada.
DEAFinitely Youth Group
1956
video – Taonga source: Victoria University of Wellington

‘Brighten Their Silent World’ float at Auckland Carnival

The Birthday Carnival held annually at Western Springs were a lucrative way of raising money in the early fifties. The Auckland Deaf Society via the Friends of the Deaf were raising funds for a new hall building.
Victoria University of Wellington
1964
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: Autumn 1964 (Vol. 1, No. 3)

1990
video – Taonga source: Natasha Jumelet

An insight into Miss Auckland Deaf preparations

Contestants practice their routine at the Auckland Deaf Society clubroom in preparation for the Miss Auckland Deaf competition.
Natasha Jumelet
2002
video – Taonga source: Sonia Pivac

In memory of Wallace Williams: A Deaf life!

A montage celebrating Wallace Williams’ life and his contribution to the Auckland Deaf community.
Sonia Pivac
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.
1992
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of John Hunt

John Hunt, well-known for his involvement in the Deaf community – talks about establishing the NZ Deaf News, his journey towards becoming a life member of NZ Deaf Sports Association, having had a role in its founding; working as the first Deaf Field Officer for NZAD, and compiling ‘The Story of the Auckland Deaf Society Inc 1937-1987.
AUT Visual Languages Section