1979
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
‘Speaking’ shown on ‘The South Tonight’
Total Communication is promoted on ‘The South Tonight’ by MOACOM, a newly formed influential group.
2006
article – Taonga source: Unknown
Sign of the times
Kirsten, John and Shannon are over the moon at the recognition of New Zealand Sign Language. "It was the best day for the deaf community; it felt awesome to be a part of the process and support it all the way."
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."
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.
NZSL Stories
1978
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Total Communications camp, shown on ‘The South Tonight’
New Zealand's first total communications camp for Deaf children takes place in Tautuku, South Otago.
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.
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.
1993
video – Taonga source: Hilda Tamepo
Hilda Tamepo celebrates her 50th at ADS!
Hilda Tamepo celebrates her 50th birthday at the Auckland Deaf Society clubrooms. The joyous event includes speeches, dancing, and lots of food!
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.
NZSL Stories
2003
video – Taonga source: Mary Johnson
Memories of Kathleen French
Kathleen French was often called the ‘Auckland Deaf Grandmother’ due to her long and pioneering life in the Auckland Deaf Community. In this video Kathleen talks about her colourful life and talks us through some photos at the end.
1967
publication – Taonga source: New Zealand Deaf News
NZ Deaf News: Spring 1967 (Vol. 5, No. 1)
NZSL Stories
2011
article – Taonga source: Stuff
Special votes win deaf MP a seat
Mojo Mathers' rise to Parliament has been labelled a success not just for the Green Party, but also for the New Zealand deaf community.
biography
Profile
Anthony ‘Tony’ Walton (CNZM)
Tony received the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 for his services to the Deaf community. Tony has had a broad involvement in many areas of the Deaf community, having been President of the NZ Deaf Sports Association and successfully hosting the World Deaf Games in 1989.
NZSL Stories
1993
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa
Opening of Deaf Association’s new premises in New Lynn, Auckland
The opening of the Deaf Association National Office and the Auckland Branch Office at the Ceramic House in Totara Avenue, New Lynn on 18 June 1993.
NZSL Stories
1997
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Communicate: Summer 1997
1989-90
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
Four days of festivities at St Dominic’s 45th Jubilee
Footage of the St Dominic’s four-day 45th reunion depicts the cutting of the cake, friends, classmates and family catching up over a picnic on the lawn of the school grounds.
1991
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: March 1991
NZSL Stories
2010
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: May 2010
NZSL Stories
1992
video – Taonga source: Point of View Productions
‘See What I Mean’
'See What I Mean' presents two real-life stories: the story of a family who were all born Deaf, and a journalist who loses her hearing. It offers positive advice about hearing loss as well as celebrating the New Zealand Deaf community.
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.
biography
Profile
Elizabeth ‘Maree’ Carroll (QSM)
Maree has given decades of generous service to the community in which she lives. Maree was heavily involved in organising the St Dominic's School for the Deaf school reunions which enabled the school community to remain connected over many decades. Maree was instrumental in establishing the Manawatu Deaf Society, taking a leading role.
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.
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.
1984
article – Taonga source: Mary Johnson
New Lynn Lions Club sponsor deaf youths on an exchange overseas
The New Lynn Lions Club has scored a first. The club is the first in the country to sponsor deaf youths on an exchange overseas. It is sending Sally Robertson (19) and Lyndon Malcolm (19), both of Titirangi, to Oregon for about eight weeks.
2003
publication – Taonga source: Deaf Education Aotearoa New Zealand
Deaf Education Aotearoa New Zealand Journal: Spring 2003
biography
Profile
Hemi Hema (QSM)
Hemi Hema received the Queen’s Service Medal (Q.S.M) in 2012 for his services to the Māori Deaf community. Along with Karen Pointon in the same year, Hemi was the first Māori Deaf person to receive such an honour.
1991
publication – Taonga source: National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NFD Journal: March 1991 (Vol. 5, No. 1)
NZSL Stories
2000
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones
Memories of Merv Forman and Nellie Benney
Merv and Nellie Forman are both interviewed by Dorothy Jones on their lives and their involvement with the Deaf community at their home in Hawkes Bay.
NZSL Stories
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.
1993
article – Taonga source: The Guardian
Top Communicator
Local man Lindsay Jones has a national reputation as a skilful storyteller. Unless more people learn sign language, however, that recognition is likely to remain limited mainly to the deaf community.