My Second Home: Auckland Deaf Society

2008 •

A 43-minute documentary taking you through the history of Auckland Deaf Society, the second home of the Deaf community of Auckland.

A 43-minute documentary on Auckland Deaf Society (ADS), the second home of the Deaf Community of Auckland. ADS, established in 1937, is an organisation that provides a unique cultural bonding opportunity for Deaf people, where they can truly express themselves as members of the Deaf community. What inspired members of the Auckland Deaf community to ensure their club’s survival for more than 70 years, starting from a basic room with a few tables to a magnificent building worth millions of dollars? This document will take you on an exciting journey to discover how this was achieved and the true meaning of such a club, which is widely regarded by many Deaf people as their second home.

ADS acknowledges to the highest degree, its past and current members who poured their hearts tirelessly and passionately, on a voluntary basis over many years, to ensure the achievement of the Deaf Club’s goals.

Executive Producer: Roger Wyrill, Director: Brent Macpherson. Narrated in NZSL with voice overs and English captions.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

The Oliver Trophy Challenge: One Step at a Time

The Oliver Trophy – Step Distance is a well-known award at the Auckland Deaf Society annual picnic. Open to men and women aged 40 and over, the goal is to match a set distance as closely as possible. Each year, the distance changes. In 2004, when Pam Croskery won, the target was 43 metres. Everyone had their own strategy to get as close as they could!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Richard Hay

From Behind the Camera to Bodybuilding Runner-Up: Richard’s First Deaf Society Picnic!

Richard reminisces about his first Auckland Deaf Society picnic at Long Bay in 1990. At just 18 years old, he was full of excitement – and luckily, he had borrowed his mum’s video camera to capture the day, including the infamous tug-of-war! Encouraging others to take turns filming, he documented the fun while stepping out of his comfort zone. Despite his shyness, he even took part in the bodybuilding show, and to his surprise, placed second!

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

From New Lynn to Avondale: A Necessary Move

Tony served as President of the New Zealand Association of the Deaf from 1999 to 2003. At the time, the focus was on supporting Deaf youth – not relocating. But when asbestos was discovered in the ceiling of the New Lynn building, with removal costs estimated at $600,000, a major decision had to be made. With support from a funder willing to underwrite the risk, the building was sold and a new location was secured. The Avondale office officially opened in November 1999.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Tony Walton

Tony Walton on Building a More Accessible Deaf Aotearoa

Tony reflects on his involvement with the New Zealand Association of the Deaf (now Deaf Aotearoa). In 1989, during the World Deaf Games, New Zealand had only two or three qualified NZSL interpreters – a serious shortage. NZDSA was strongly sign-based, while the NZAD board leaned more oral. After the Games, Tony joined NZAD as a delegate to learn how it worked, eventually becoming President. His focus was on Deaf youth, leading to the creation of Friends of Young Deaf (FYD), better Māori engagement and involvement with more NZSL interpreters. One key goal was to have 13 interpreters nationwide, giving every major town and city access. Interpreter pay and access were limited back then – very different from today.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Pam Croskery

From Eggs to Gumboots: Classic ADS Picnic Games

Pam recalls her favourite games from the Auckland Deaf Society picnics. One standout was the pea-spitting contest, where someone’s false teeth famously flew out mid-spit! Other popular events included messy raw egg challenges, gumboot throwing, and even bodybuilding competitions. Club picnics were often held at Long Bay.

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.

Angela Sew Hoy

Beth Titter

Brent Macpherson

Brent Macpherson

Chris (Christoph) Blum

Chris (Christoph) Blum

Dan Hanks

Danny (Daniel) Beech

Danny (Daniel) Beech

Dennis Nathan

Helen Williams

John Hunt

Kathleen French

Kathleen French

Kaye Bird

Kevin Pivac

Laura Hunt

Laurie Schischka

Laurie Schischka

Lorraine Butler (Waghorn)

Lorraine Butler (Waghorn)

Mary Johnson

Murray Williams

Murray Williams

Ngaire Doherty

Norman Norris

Owen Gibbons

Ray (Raymond) Jenkin

Ray (Raymond) Jenkin

Roger Wyrill

Ruth Dyson

Sonia Pivac

Stephen Leach

Sue Williams

Sylvia Schischka (Ring)

Sylvia Schischka (Ring)

Wallace Williams

Wallace Williams

Relevant Links

Auckland Deaf Society

Taonga source:

Brent Macpherson

Produced by:

Stretch Productions

Original format:

DVD

Reference number:

SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, BMP01-01-DC08

Copyright status:

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Note:

This item has been compressed and/or edited.