I'm interested in...
reset filter
2000
video – Taonga source: Pam Witko

Memories of Doreen Forman

Memories of Doreen Forman, a Wellington Deaf Society life member, was recorded on 10th December 2000 – covering some events and recollections from Doreen’s life including the 1931 Napier earthquake.
Pam Witko
1995
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

David Loving-Molloy appears on ‘Praise Be’

David Loving-Molloy of the Catholic Deaf Centre in Palmerston North joins Graeme Thomson on ‘Praise Be’ to share his thoughts about Deaf Awareness Week, and the work he does with the Deaf community.
Television New Zealand Archive
2002
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

40th Anniversary: Weekend-long celebrations at Manawatu Deaf Society!

Manawatu Deaf Society celebrates its 40th anniversary with a packed weekend-long programme in September 2002.
Dorothy Jones
1997
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section

Memories of Perry Strawson

Perry Strawson entertains with stories and funny tales from his life; what it’s like to enjoy sports and travel as a young Deaf man.
AUT Visual Languages Section
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Michelle Kruger
1956-57
video – Taonga source: Susan Hamilton

Kelston School for Deaf: Clearing of the Ground and Construction

Students from the Titirangi School for the Deaf visit the construction site of the future Kelston School for the Deaf.
Susan Hamilton
NZSL Stories
  • Patreena Bryan

Help us name people in videos!

Yep, I’m keen! 

1998
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

Happy Halloween: Manawatu Deaf Society

With 31st October falling on a Saturday in 1998, Manawatu Deaf Society takes the opportunity to host a Halloween party! The kids in particular look genuinely terrifying, with prizes for the best dressed child and adult!
Dorothy Jones
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
1954
video – Taonga source: Owen Gibbons

Socialising at Labour Weekend Wellington 1954

Athletes and spectators take a day out from the sporting competition to have fun in Wellington, 1954.
Owen Gibbons
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Tony Walton
  • John Mansell
1987
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

Parents speak of their fears for the future of St Dominic’s School for Deaf Children

Following the potential closure of St Dominic's, parents express their concerns at a community meeting for their deaf children’s future if they were to be mainstreamed into a local school.
Television New Zealand Archive
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.
Mary Johnson

Do you know any online videos that SignDNA should link to?

Let us know! 

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
2015
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

History through Young Eyes: Interview with Owen Gibbons

Former Auckland Deaf Society President and life member, Owen Gibbons says that one of his best memories was travelling to the World Deaf Games as part of the New Zealand Deaf basketball mens team. His eyes “literally popped out at what he saw over there!”
Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
2002
video – Taonga source: Dorothy Jones

Amateur footage: Inaugural Deaf Rugby World Championship

A snapshot of the inaugural 2002 Deaf Rugby World Championships held in Auckland, briefly touching on official matches, friendly games, and two social evenings at Auckland Deaf Club, with speeches galore!
Dorothy Jones
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
1977
video – Taonga source: Dennis Tod

Canterbury Annual Deaf Picnic 1977

Members of the Canterbury Deaf community make for a picnic on a lovely day, with tug-o-war and running races.
Dennis Tod
1958
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Deaf Societies Sports Convention, Wellington 1958

Deaf Aucklanders make their way down to Wellington in a van for the Labour Weekend sports. Stopping on the way, they prepare for a day of sports and socialising.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
  • Kevin Pivac
  • Shona McGhie

Everyone has a story to tell.

Share yours! 

1960s
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society

St Dominics Gala

St Dominics School for the Deaf hold their annual Gala Day – year unknown.
Manawatu Deaf Society
1969
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Deaf men chat outside Auckland Deaf Society clubrooms

A group of men from the ADS basketball club are seen chatting outside the Auckland Deaf Society Clubrooms.
Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Doug Croskery
1981
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa

10,000 Miles Away – Gallaudet College life

Stephen Leach talks about his experience at Gallaudet College in Washington DC, USA.
Deaf Aotearoa
1990
video – Taonga source: Tony Clews

Australian Deaf Rugby League Team: New Zealand Tour

A homemade Sydney documentary on the Australian Deaf Rugby league team’s tour of New Zealand in 1990 from preparation, the tour, the tests, and triumphant return home.
Tony Clews
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1950
video – Taonga source: Susan Hamilton

Titirangi School for the Deaf hosts its annual Christmas party

Deaf students dress up and parade around the back of Titirangi School for the Deaf at its annual Christmas party.
Susan Hamilton
NZSL Stories
  • Patreena Bryan
  • John Mansell

Do you have old videos at home about the Deaf World?

Donate videos!  

1998
video – Taonga source: Rae McKie

School for the Deaf Marching Girls reunited 45 years later!

The infamous Deaf Marching Girls reunite 45 years later, with a Friday spent practicing before showing their routine to supporters at van Asch on the Sunday.
Rae McKie
1996
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive

John Rua participates in a taiaha course

John Rua participates in an annual taiaha course and as a participant, he leads a pōwhiri, welcoming the visitors. ‘Te Karere’ visits the course to film John and find out more from his course instructors.
Television New Zealand Archive
1958
video – Taonga source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre building progress

The building of the Auckland Deaf Welfare Centre, followed by footage of the Balmoral Bowling Club, and the newly opened Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
NZSL Stories
  • Kevin Pivac
  • John Schischka
1965
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre

St Dominic’s gives a Catholic education to Deaf boys and girls

Several clips of teaching and classroom scenes at St Dominic’s School for the Deaf, with one-on-one speech therapy, oral communication methods, a physical education class, the Rotarians Picnic Drive, playing with jet aeroplanes, folk dancing and their annual Christmas party.
St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
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

We welcome your ideas about improving SignDNA!

Tell us your ideas!

1959
video – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Te Pakanga O Whau – The Battle of Whau: Drama by Kelston School for the Deaf

The Battle of Whau: a drama by Kelston Deaf students for the opening ceremony of Kelston School for the Deaf, 7th November 1959.
Auckland Deaf Society
1981
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie

Sign Singers perform Silent Night

The Sign Singers perform the famous carol 'Silent Night' for the Stars on Sunday programme.
Dulcie McKie
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Susie Ovens
1955
video – Taonga source: Susan Hamilton

Parent’s Day at Titirangi School for Deaf (1955)

Annual Parent’s Day at Titirangi School for Deaf, where students show their parents around the school and put on a performance – tumbling, boxing, puppetry, ball handing and ballet.
Susan Hamilton
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Patreena Bryan
2001
video – Taonga source: Lorraine Butler

Deaf Diversity – Queer Nation

Queer Nation meets a sporty lesbian with nimble fingers. Lorraine talks about her identity, involvement with Deaf sports, performing and access, emphasising that Deaf people are really no different from hearing people.
Lorraine Butler
NZSL Stories
  • Shona McGhie
  • Tony Walton
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
NZSL Stories
  • Tony Walton
  • Jeff Went
  • Michael Lynch
  • Susie Ovens
  • Milton Reedy
  • Terry Kane

Help us with transcription and translation on the SignDNA archive!

Ooh yea, I’m in!