Memories of John Hunt

1992
  • People
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.
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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. John generously talks about his life, experiences and community involvement. 

Born in England and married at 21 years old to Laura Hunt. At the time of the interview, they had been married for 45 years. When they moved to New Zealand in 1962, having had their application to move to Canada, Los Angeles and Australia declined, John was surprised to find out that there was no NZ Deaf News at a time where radio and TV (which was inaccessible for Deaf people) were one of the main medium of news. John established the NZ Deaf News publication with a group of 10 people. The first publication was only 8 pages, and with donations, the next publication was 16 pages. And it continued to grow. 

There was also no Association for Deaf Sports when John moved to New Zealand. At a meeting in Wellington in 1963, they agreed to set up rules/by-laws and at its AGM, John was selected Secretary (in 1983) which he dedicated 10 years to. He was also Vice President of the association, before being made a life member. 

John was also 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 also talks about his experiences working as the first Deaf Field Officer for NZAD for two and half years, including the infamous ‘Deaf nod’! He retired afterwards, and moved to Australia with his wife to join his two children on December 14, 1992.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

From Supporter to Secretary: Shona McGhie’s NZDSA Story

Shona McGhie shares how she became involved with the NZ Deaf Sports Association after attending the 1981 World Deaf Games in Köln as a supporter. Excited by the atmosphere, she was invited by Norman to observe an NZDSA executive meeting – just as they were searching for a new secretary, with Margaret Coutts joining the organising committee for the upcoming 1989 Games. Although nervous, Shona accepted the challenge. It was a full-on time, working with green-and-black screen computers, fax machines, and letters – well before the digital age. With the 1989 World Deaf Games on the horizon, it was a particularly busy era, but one Shona embraced with dedication until stepping down in 1996.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Thrown Into It: Shona Becomes ADS Badminton Club Secretary

Shona McGhie never planned on taking a leadership role, but that’s exactly what happened soon after she joined the Auckland Deaf Society. Having previously been involved with the Christchurch Deaf Club, she moved to Auckland after an overseas holiday, drawn by its vibrant Deaf community. Not long after reconnecting with her love for badminton, she attended the club’s AGM just to show support – only to be unexpectedly voted in as secretary on the spot! Stepping into the role straight away, Shona went on to serve five dedicated years with the ADS Badminton Club.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt

Establishing the ‘NZ Deaf News’ in 1962

John Hunt's involvement with NZ Deaf News spanned 23 years. Upon moving to New Zealand in 1962, he was surprised to find out that there was no NZ Deaf News at a time where radio and TV (which was inaccessible for Deaf people) were one of the main medium of news. He established the NZ Deaf News publication with a group of 10 people. The first issue was only 8 pages and with donations, the next one was 16 pages. It grew exponentially and was the place to go for Deaf-related news.
Taonga source:
AUT Visual Languages Section
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, AUT059-01-LS92
Note:
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