1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

A look around the Armagh Street clubroom whilst the ceiling is being painted

A tour around the 323a Armagh Street clubroom filled with memories, trophies, photos, and a framed letter from Helen Keller. Jo Smith is working in the office that day, with Tom Still painting the inside ceiling.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1980
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

Sumner School for the Deaf 100 Years Centenary celebration

Footage by Sue Penman, of members of the Deaf community and their families attending the centenary celebrations at Sumner School for the Deaf, and taking a tour of the school.
Sue Penman
1987
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Social Evening: Wrapping up the 32nd NZ Games for the Deaf

The 32nd New Zealand Games for the Deaf wrapped up with a presentation dinner-and-dance evening at Addington Raceway’s ‘Twiggers’ on Sunday 25th October 1987. A jam-packed evening with plenty of talking, sitting down, a buffet meal, dancing to live music, and group photos, with the venue closing 1.30am!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
2002
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of Ava Buzzard (2002)

Ava Buzzard talks about life growing up in Christchurch, her hobbies, moving to Auckland as well as her children and their educational upbringing.
AUT Visual Languages Section
1987
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Basketball finals pull in the crowds at the NZ Deaf Games, Christchurch 1987

The popular basketball programme was hosted over two days at Cowles Stadium with footage coverage of the Manawatu and Christchurch ladies competing for the Otago Deaf Society Cup, which Manawatu won (19-15). The winner of the Cunliffe Memorial Cup (men’s) went to Christchurch, with the runner up Wellington (63-56).
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1989
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

The play ‘Children of a Lesser God’

This TV series (Sunday Magazine) looks at some of the projects young people are getting involved in. This clip is about acting in a play about Deaf people, in which Patty Still has been teaching the hearing cast NZSL for their roles.
Television New Zealand Archive
1978
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Canterbury Deaf Club teams travel to Greymouth

The Canterbury Deaf Club Basketball & Netball teams travels to Greymouth, with the ‘Deaf Boys’ playing against the ‘Hot Shots’ and winning 67-54.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1971
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: 1971 (Vol. 8, No. 2)

1989
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Deafblind Wrestler competes at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch

Pier Morten, a Deafblind wrestler from Canada, participates in the 1989 World Games for the Deaf, in Christchurch.
Television New Zealand Archive
2004
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of Susan Thomas (2004)

Susan Thomas talks about her many life experiences, love of sports, and what it was like to work on ‘News Review’ as a Deaf presenter in the late 1980s.
AUT Visual Languages Section
1975
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Christchurch 1975

The Deaf community gather in Christchurch for the NZ Deaf Sports Convention in Labour Weekend, 1975.
Sue Penman
1991
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Basketball Club: Shipwreck Fancy Dress Party, 20 April 1991

A shipwreck themed fancy dress party – a basketball fundraiser – was organised by the Christchurch Deaf Basketball Club. There are pirates aplenty and dress parades with the best dressed going to Graham Hammond and Joyce Ferguson.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1987
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

‘Spot On’ visits a Deaf basketball training session

The educational TV series ‘Spot On’, visits a Deaf basketball training session to catch up with Royce Flynn and Megan Mansfield, and understand how the sport is played by Deaf athletes, and controlled by a Deaf referee.
Television New Zealand Archive
1980
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Two founding members of Christchurch Deaf Club take a trip down memory lane

Cyril Pruden and Douglas Ashley, two founding members of the Christchurch Deaf Club, discuss the club’s history at its Armagh Street location. 
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

A Friday evening at Christchurch Deaf Society

Members hustle and bustle around the Deaf Club’s kitchen on a Friday evening, taking care of orders, cooking, and payments - back in the days when meals were $5.00 and cans were only $1!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1988
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

van Asch students learn street theatre skills from Mr Moon

After Mr Moon has been teaching Van Asch Deaf Education Centre Deaf students street theatre skills, they watch a performance from the Montreal Street Theatre at the New Zealand Festival in Wellington, in preparation for staging their own live performance.
Television New Zealand Archive
1976
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Dunedin vs Christchurch: Indoor Bowls at Christchurch Deaf Club

Dunedin and Christchurch battle it out at the Christchurch Deaf Club’s Armagh Street hall during winter where the mountain ranges around Christchurch are covered with snow!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1979
video – Taonga source: Dennis Tod

NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Christchurch 1979 – Netball

Coverage of the Netball tournament at the NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Christchurch 1979.
Dennis Tod
1971
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

16th Annual NZ Deaf Sports Convention, Christchurch

The Manawatu Deaf Club Athletic Team practice with coach Keith Gordon. This footage covers the athletic training session.
Manawatu Deaf Society
1984
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

You and Your Child – Deaf edition

'You and Your Child' programme focuses on Deaf children, education and language and interview some parents about their Deaf children.
Television New Zealand Archive
1989
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Interview with I. King Jordan about Deaf education

The first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, I. King Jordan, is visiting Christchurch, New Zealand for the World Games of the Deaf in January 1989. Dr King Jordan is interviewed about the changes he has implemented at Gallaudet University, and Deaf education in NZ.
Television New Zealand Archive
1987
video – Taonga source: Christchurch Deaf Society

Some fresh air and football at the NZ Deaf Games, Christchurch 1987

Two men’s mixed teams played football 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 25th October 1987 at Cowles Stadium. No formal prizes were awarded for football, nor did it count for points towards the Aotearoa Turi Shield. It was for the selection of the New Zealand Deaf football team for the upcoming 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch.
Christchurch Deaf Society
1980
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: September 1980 (Vol. 17, No. 5)

1980
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

Demolition at van Asch, 1980

Footage of the demolition of the ‘Main Building’ of van Asch College, April 1980.
Sue Penman
1988
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Black and White Fancy Dress Fundraiser for 1989 WGD Christchurch

The Black and White themed Fancy Dress party at Christchurch Deaf Society on 28th May 1988 was a fundraiser for the World Games for the Deaf. Creative members dressed-up as prisoners, punk rockers, Spanish costume dress with bolero, nuns, waitresses, and rugby league players!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Lawn Bowls prizegiving at Christchurch Deaf Society

The Christchurch Deaf Lawn Bowls Club organises its annual prizegiving, with lunch and drinks at Christchurch Deaf Society, on 6th October 1993.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1979
video – Taonga source: Dennis Tod

Old-Time Fancy Dress party, Christchurch 1979

A fancy dress party is held at the Canterbury Deaf Society’s clubrooms.
Dennis Tod
1987
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Athletics at the 32nd Annual NZ Games for the Deaf: Christchurch 1987

The popular athletics interclub and open championship ran to a tight program, from 8:00am to 12:00 noon. The Oxspring Shield for interclub athletics went to Auckland with 32 points. The 32nd Annual NZ Games for the Deaf in Christchurch provided valuable experience for hosting the World Deaf Games to be held in Christchurch in January 1989. At Cowles Stadium, Shona McGhie and Tony Walton are also interviewed by News Review.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1979
video – Taonga source: Dennis Tod

Christchurch Deaf Club picnic at Diamond Harbour 1979

The Christchurch Deaf Club members have a picnic at Diamond Harbour, with traditional sports and activities.
Dennis Tod
1991
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Canterbury beats Wellington in a game of rugby league

A game of rugby league between the Canterbury and Wellington boys in 1991. The game was played at Hampshire Park, Christchurch on 11 May 1991. Canterbury beat Central, 42-26, followed by a post-match social and further celebrations at Christchurch Deaf Society.
Rodney Roberts
1979
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

Trans-Tasman Games 1979 – Basketball

The Australian and New Zealand Deaf men play basketball at the Trans-Tasman Games, held at Lincoln College, Canterbury in January 1979.
Sue Penman
1955
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Sports Convention picnic at Motukarara, 1955

During the 1955 Sports Convention hosted in Christchurch, a picnic is held at Motukarara, by Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury.
Auckland Deaf Society
1990
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Wrap-up Christmas party at Deaf Society of Canterbury

Deaf Society of Canterbury on Armagh Street celebrates the end of 1990 with a wrap-up Christmas party, and a few speeches!
Rodney Roberts
1985
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Club picnic at Amberley: Summer 1985

Christchurch Deaf Club hosted its annual picnic at Amberley, north of Christchurch. As usual, there are games aplenty, with the Amberley swimming pool a perfect location to cool off.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Women’s Club gathering at Armagh Street

A day inside for the Christchurch Deaf Women's Club at Armagh Street, with cakes, jewellery and clothes for sale!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1976
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Club Basketball Club visits Hokitika, June 1976

The Christchurch Deaf Club basketball team plays a match in Hokitika in June 1976 versus a hearing team. Geoff Harker’s arm injury is a hot topic of discussion that weekend!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
2004
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of Shaun Fahey

Shaun Fahey, a Deaf artist, talks about illustrating signs for the NZSL Dictionary, and what life was like for a young Shaun growing up in Christchurch under the rule of oralism.
AUT Visual Languages Section
2000
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

First National Deaf Womens’ Sevens Tournament

On an Easter Friday afternoon, 22 April 2000, for the first time in history the National Deaf Women’s Seven Tournament was played between the Southern and Central teams at the Canterbury Rugby League Stadium.
Rodney Roberts
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

NZ vs Sweden Men’s Basketball at WGD in Christchurch

Edited crowd-shot footage of the men’s basketball heat at the World Games for the Deaf 1989, between New Zealand and Sweden. Sweden won the match 126-61.
Rodney Roberts
1991
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Good old fashioned fun at the Christchurch Deaf Society’s picnic

Footage of the 1991 Christchurch Deaf Society's picnic day held at Spencer Park. On a progressively windy day the local Deaf community gathered to enjoy traditional Deaf community games including tug-of-war, egg throwing, welly throwing, and some less common games such as a dress-up relay.
Rodney Roberts
1951
video – Taonga source: Owen Gibbons

Christchurch Deaf men with (and on) their bicycles

Black and white footage of a group of Christchurch Deaf men with their bicycles chatting to the camera excitedly before riding on the road, and signing at the same time!
Owen Gibbons
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 2)

1989
publication – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

VXIth World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch: 7-17 January 1989

Shona McGhie
1973
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: 1973 (Vol. 10, No. 2)

1991
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

‘An Oriental Evening’: Golf Club fundraiser

The Christchurch Golf Club hosts a fundraiser at the Armagh Street Clubrooms, organising a social evening - with participants encouraged to come in Chinese Fancy Dress. Origami folding and calligraphy were some of the games on the night. Watch to see who won the compulsory fancy-dress parade!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1947
video – Taonga source: Archives New Zealand

National Film Unit visits Sumner School for the Deaf – Student life

The National Film Unit visits Sumner School for the Deaf to film a typical day at the school.
Archives New Zealand
1994
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Japanese Deaf group visits Christchurch Deaf Club

It's a Friday evening and the Christchurch Deaf Club is where its happening! A tour group of 24 Deaf Japanese visitors make CDC a must-visit on their New Zealand itinerary.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
2000
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Central Zone holds onto the Shield!

Footage of all three men's games of the 2000 National Deaf Rugby Championships at the Canterbury Rugby League Stadium, combined into one clip. Includes pre-match Deaf cheerleading display.
Rodney Roberts
1979
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

Trans-Tasman Deaf Games: Opening Ceremony and sports

Coverage of the Trans-Tasman Deaf Games, Lincoln College, Christchurch, 10 January 1979, including opening ceremony and various sports.
Sue Penman
1953
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

NZ Deaf Sports Convention Christchurch 1953

The 1953 New New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention is held in Christchurch, with sports, fun, and day trips.
Auckland Deaf Society
1998
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa

‘Inside Out’ interviews Hilary McCormack: Deaf education, advocacy and technology

An ‘Inside Out’ interview with Hilary McCormack where she talks about the advent of NZSL in Deaf education, advocacy and changing technology in the New Zealand Deaf community.
Deaf Aotearoa
1968
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Deaf children enjoy a car rally

Children from Sumner School for the Deaf test their navigational abilities in a car rally at Sumner.
Television New Zealand Archive
1997
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

A look at the work of Donald Gibson; Deafblind sculptor

Donald Gibson is a talented sculptor, who happens to be Deafblind. His tutor Bon Suter shares with the reporter that she feels Donald has a real gift for sculpting that she and others around him admire.
Television New Zealand Archive
2004
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of Ava Buzzard (2004)

Ava Buzzard talks about commuting to school via her father’s motorbike, home signs, signing and oralism, and the next generation of signers.
AUT Visual Languages Section
1976
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Past and current Christchurch Deaf Club basketball players face-off for a game

Established in 1951, the Christchurch Deaf Basketball Club celebrated their 25th Jubilee on Saturday 31 July 1976. The day kickstarts with a game between past players – in blue tops – versus current players – in yellow tops. There was also a social dance held that evening.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1955
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

NZ Deaf Sports Convention 1955 – Christchurch

NZ Deaf Sports Convention is held at Rugby Park, Christchurch in 1955.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
1976
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Club Basketball: Farewell & Awards party

A farewell party and awards evening is hosted by the Christchurch Deaf Club Basketball Club, with awards and prizes given out by Peter Downie.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Christchurch WGD Men’s Basketball Final

Crowd based footage of the Men’s Basketball final at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, which USA won 127-56. This footage includes the warm up, edited highlights of the match, medal ceremony, team photos, and post-match socialising.
Rodney Roberts
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Handheld footage of the closing ceremony of the 16th World Games for the Deaf

Handheld footage from the stadium shows the closing ceremony of the 16th World Games for the Deaf held in Christchurch. Athletes parade into the stadium to witness closing speeches with their family and fans looking on.
Rodney Roberts
1995
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Deaf Blacks’ first ever international match

Holmes’ Jo Malcolm catches up with the Deaf Blacks team at their training in Christchurch in preparation for the first of three upcoming test matches against the visiting Deaf South Africans - the first ever international match for both sides.
Television New Zealand Archive
1977
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

Christchurch Women Group: Progressive Dinner

The Christchurch Deaf Women’s Group hosts a progressive dinner. Three courses at three different locations all in one night in 1977!
Sue Penman
1979
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

NZ Deaf Sport Convention, Christchurch 1979

Scenes from NZ Deaf Sport Convention in Christchurch 1979, with sports such as shot-put and athletics, including some impressive sprinting and middle distance running.
Sue Penman
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

TVNZ coverage of the 16th World Games for the Deaf

Professional coverage of the first few days of sports at the 16th World Games for the Deaf held in Christchurch in January 1989. Events are covered in detail and presented by the News Review weekly round up.
Rodney Roberts
1975
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Basketball: A trip to Westport

The Christchurch Deaf Club basketball team travels to Westport during Queen’s Birthday weekend 1975 to participate in the Matai Invitation Tournament. Games are played at the Westport Community Hall. Footage covers players travelling to the West Coast via cars, with a few stops on the way, and a compulsory stop at the pub!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1969
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

NZ Deaf News: 1969 (Vol. 6, No. 3)

1987
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

‘News Review’ puts a spotlight on the New Zealand Deaf Games in Christchurch over the weekend of 23 – 26 October 1987

The 32nd New Zealand Games for the Deaf is featured on News Review, covering athletics, basketball, table tennis, lawn bowls and netball. The question, ‘Why have a Deaf Games?’ is put forward to competitors and officials! Footage also features the much appreciated ‘Canterbury Duck’ that Deaf kids had requested more of!
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

News Review update on finals at 1989 World Games for the Deaf

News Review presents a round-up of coverage of the 1989 World Games for the Deaf including a feature on a Deaf-blind wrestler, as well as the closing stages of games in the men’s football, volleyball and basketball.
Rodney Roberts
1999
video – Taonga source: Rae McKie

Deaf Marching Girls at the New Zealand National Marching Championships

The School for the Deaf Marching Girls are invited to perform their routine at the New Zealand National Marching Championships, 45 years after the group was set-up.
Rae McKie
1978
video – Taonga source: Dennis Tod

Christchurch Basketball and Netball teams leave for Greymouth

The Christchurch Deaf Mens Basketball team travel to Greymouth, accompanied by the Deaf netball team.
Dennis Tod
1977
video – Taonga source: Sue Penman

‘Deaf boys’ picnic at Spencer Park

Christchurch Deaf Club Basketball ‘Deaf Boys’ Picnic at Spencer Park, Sunday 13th March 1977.
Sue Penman
1979
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

Trans-Tasman Games hosted in Christchurch, 1979

Opening ceremony of the Trans-Tasman Games, Including a traditional Maori welcome for the Australian team.
Manawatu Deaf Society
1980
video – Taonga source: Dennis Tod

Sumner School for the Deaf celebrates its centenary (100th)

Members of the Deaf community and their families attend the centenary celebrations at Sumner School for the Deaf.
Dennis Tod
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

News Review: Ready, Set, Go!

Susan Thomas takes the reins at the studio this week on ‘News Review’. The team recaps footage from the World Games of the Deaf which wrapped up on the Tuesday before. Watch records being broken, and some footage of our Kiwi athletes in action!
Rodney Roberts
1955
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Picnic at Waihora Park Domain

Participants in the Annual Convention of the New Zealand Deaf Societies have a full-day picnic at Waihora Park Domain, in Motukarara with plenty of races!
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
1955
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Sumner School for the Deaf 75th Jubilee

The 75th Jubilee of Sumner School for the Deaf in Christchurch, including alumni parades and marching girls!
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
2002
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of Greg Pateman

Greg talks about his passion - Deaf sports, and why the Southern Deaf sport teams are superior to their Central and Northern counterparts!
AUT Visual Languages Section
1976
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Christchurch Deaf Club Basketball 25th Jubilee: Social dance at Armagh Street Clubroom

The Christchurch Deaf Basketball Club, established in 1951, celebrates their 25th Jubilee on Saturday 31 July, 1976 – with a game between old previous members versus young current members, before a social dance evening at the Armagh Street clubroom.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Deaf Society of Canterbury
Est. 1922
Collection

Deaf Society of Canterbury

The Deaf Society of Canterbury is New Zealand’s oldest Deaf Club, established on 26 April 1922. Originally Christchurch Deaf Club, later changed to Christchurch Deaf Society, and to Deaf Society of Canterbury as it is known today, it has provided the inspiration for the establishment of other Deaf Clubs around New Zealand.
Deaf Society of Canterbury
1955
video – Taonga source: Archives New Zealand

National Film Unit visits Sumner School for the Deaf – 75th Jubilee

The National Film Unit visits Sumner School for the Deaf to report on progress in the education of deaf children and to check out the school's 75th Jubilee celebrations.
Archives New Zealand
1981
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News

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