A ‘Mime and Masks’ show by Deaf Drama Group: A Visit to Kiwiland

1986 •
  • Storytelling/Performances
A Deaf Drama group perfoms 'A Visit to Kiwiland' at Kelston with supporting acts by the Sign Singers. The evening fundraised $766.00 towards the purchase of a TTY and to sponsor two pupils from Kelston to attend the World Deaf Games in Christchurch 1989.
HomeVideosA ‘Mime and Masks’ show by Deaf Drama Group: A Visit to Kiwiland

A ‘Mime and Masks’ evening at Kelston with a show created by a Deaf Drama group: ‘A Visit to Kiwiland’. It was on Saturday 21 November 1987. Brian Whalley, the drama leader, explains why the production was set up. The evening opens with two songs by the Sign Singers group, before the main play ‘A Visit to Kiwiland’ commences. The night closes with three more additional songs by the Sign Singers. The evening fundraised $766.00 towards the purchase of a TTY and to sponsor two pupils from Kelston to attend the World Deaf Games in Christchurch 1989.

Can you help?

NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Behind the Scenes: Making the 1989 World Deaf Games Happen

Jeff joined the NZ Deaf Sports Amateur Association in 1986 after a key meeting in New Plymouth with another Auckland delegate. With just three years to go before the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, a strong executive team was needed. Jeff agreed to step back from other commitments and support NZDSA. Tony Walton was appointed to lead the combined Chair and President role. The team met regularly in Christchurch, well before the days of online meetings. Serious funding issues nearly caused cancellation, but Prime Minister David Lange agreed to underwrite the event.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Winning the Bid: How NZ Secured the World Deaf Games

Tony Walton reflects on Deaf Sports NZ’s early bid to host the World Deaf Games. Their 1981 pitch fell short, with the 1985 Games going to Los Angeles. But in 1985, New Zealand returned stronger. Margaret Coutts and John McRae delivered a more polished signed presentation. Ironically, Australia also submitted a bid, led by another John McRae. To tip the scales, New Zealand hosted a standout evening at the NZ Ambassador’s residence in LA, with food, speeches and swimming. The result? A landslide victory.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

NZSL or International Sign? Tony’s Opening Ceremony Choice

Tony Walton, President of NZDSA during the 1989 World Deaf Games, reflects on a key decision at the opening ceremony: whether to sign in NZSL or use International Sign. He chose NZSL, trusting the international interpreters to handle the rest. Once the Games were officially declared open, the CISS flag made a dramatic entrance by parachute, passed from hand to hand by past medal winners. CISS President Jerald Jordan was then formally welcomed with a hongi, in true Aotearoa fashion.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

In Honour of Morris Coutts: Behind the 1989 World Deaf Games

After the sudden passing of NZDSA President Morris Coutts, Tony Walton stepped up with a 'Deaf can do' attitude and the 1989 World Deaf Games in sharp focus. He recalls the pressure of monthly meetings with the separate host organising committee. Determined to ensure Deaf inclusion, Tony made sure every hearing person was paired with a Deaf counterpart – from Aotearoa or abroad. At the opening ceremony, a balloon tribute honoured Morris and his legacy.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Shona McGhie and the Magic of the Auckland Sign Singers

Shona McGhie reflects on her time with the Auckland Sign Singers, a group that helped raise awareness of Deaf culture and showed what Deaf performers could do. Rehearsals were often held at Dulcie McKie’s home, with support from Mac McKie and Gavin Gibbons. Shona recalls her favourite song and the challenge of remembering over 25 routines. It was a busy time full of travel, performance, and connection, and a chapter she looks back on fondly.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

A Small Kiwi, A Big NZ Symbol

Pam Croskery shares memories of the Kiwi mascot used by the NZ Deaflympics team. Each player had a small kiwi to trade or pose with in photos. A larger mascot was used for team photos and marches. For many, the kiwi sign made New Zealand instantly recognisable, even if they did not know the official sign. Pam traded her small kiwi for a Canadian bear at the Christchurch World Deaf Games. The large mascot was last seen with the NZ team at the 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Switching Between Modes: Total Communication on Stage, NZSL Off

Susie Ovens shares her memories of the well-known Deaf Sign Singers group founded by Dulcie McKie, which used a Total Communication approach. She knew it wasn’t natural signing, and the group would often relax and switch to NZSL during breaks. Still, Susie recalls the performances having a strong impact, especially on hearing audiences who were moved by the group's energy and visual expressions.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Jeff Went

Lasting Legacy: Reflections on the 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand

The 1989 World Deaf Games in New Zealand were praised for smooth organisation, great weather, and the chance to enjoy the country’s landscapes and hospitality. Some visitors even found romance! The event helped improve international sign use and left lasting memories. Despite early financial concerns, it ended with a $3,000 profit and didn’t require government support.
Anne Wyrill (Holt)
Anne Wyrill (Holt)
Brian Whalley
Brian Whalley
David Hendry
David Hendry
Dulcie McKie
Dulcie McKie
Fiona Damm (Smith)
Fiona Damm (Smith)
Gavin Gibbons
Gavin Gibbons
Graham Mansell
Graham Mansell
Jodie Saville (Kuklinski)
Jodie Saville (Kuklinski)
John Mansell
John Mansell
Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett
Lyndon Malcolm
Lyndon Malcolm
Marie Hogan
Marie Hogan
Ngaire Doherty
Ngaire Doherty
Nicola Tunncliffe
Nicola Tunncliffe
Sheila Gibbons (Claridge)
Sheila Gibbons (Claridge)
Shirley Withers
Shirley Withers
Shona McGhie
Shona McGhie

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Ngaire Doherty
Produced by:
Griff Richards
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, ND03-01-SP86
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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