
2014
video – Taonga source: Ministry of Education
Ko Wai Au? Who Am I? See My Voice?
A video with six rangatahi communicating their stories of being young Turi Māori (Māori Deaf). The topics they discuss include recognition and acknowledgement of Deaf people in the past, Dame Whina Cooper and the impact of Kelston Deaf Education Centre.


1955
video – Taonga source: Susan Hamilton
Christmas parade at Titirangi School for the Deaf
The courtyard at Titirangi School for Deaf’s came in handy in events such as the Christmas parade with everyone in fancy dress!

NZSL Stories


1998
video – Taonga source: Kevin and Lynette Pivac
NZ Deaf Rugby Team in Wales
See Hear reports on the New Zealand Deaf Rugby team’s tour of the UK in 1998.


NZSL Stories


1996
video – Taonga source: Allan Richardson
Summer Deaf Youth Camp 1996
Comprehensive footage of the participants and activities at the 1996 Summer Deaf Youth Camp in Otaki.


NZSL Stories


2011
video – Taonga source: Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand
God Defend New Zealand: New Zealand National Anthem in NZSL, Maori & English
In NZSL with subtitles in Māori and English; created in collaboration with native speakers of NZSL, Māori & English, and sign language linguists from the Deaf community, with the purpose to create a NZSL translation that was true to the meaning behind the Māori & English lyrics.


Help us name people in videos!


2004
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section
Memories of Shaun Fahey
Shaun Fahey, a Deaf artist, talks about illustrating signs for the NZSL Dictionary, and what life was like for a young Shaun growing up in Christchurch under the rule of oralism.



NZSL Stories


1955-65
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
A montage of St Dominic’s Christmas Picnics between 1955 and 1965
Footage from 1955 – 1965 during the annual Christmas Picnics held by St Dominic’s School for the Deaf in Island Bay. In New Zealand fashion, Santa arrives on horseback, bringing presents to the pupils who all take turns riding the horse!









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.



NZSL Stories


1984
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
You and Your Child – Deaf edition
'You and Your Child' programme focuses on Deaf children, education and language and interview some parents about their Deaf children.





2000
video – Taonga source: Hilda Tamepo
Memories of John McRae
John McRae is filmed at his home in Napier where he lived with his wife Verna. John explains some highlights from his life story including his experiences at school, travelling the world for Deaf sports, and his involvement in the Deaf community. The video includes his commentary of various photos and objects in their house.


NZSL Stories
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1994
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
1944 – 1994: St Dominic’s celebrates its Golden Jubilee!
Around 250 people attended the 50th Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of St Dominic’s School for the Deaf. Footage shows many old photo albums, reunion photos being taken, a Jubilee Mass and a visit to the old Dover Street school grounds.









1992
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
Second National Deaf Sevens tournament
The second National Deaf Sevens tournament was held at the Linton Military Camp, located just south of Palmerston North, where the Central boys won a points-based competition.





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.




2004
video – Taonga source: AUT Visual Languages Section
Memories of Ava Buzzard (2004)
Ava Buzzard talks about commuting to school via her father’s motorbike, home signs, signing and oralism, and the next generation of signers.





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.


Everyone has a story to tell.


1989-90
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
St Dominic’s 45th Jubilee
There are many speeches from past pupils and staff recalling their time at St Dominic’s. The casually filmed footage covers part of the four-day 45th reunion at St Dominic’s School for the Deaf, with many speeches from past pupils and staff recalling their time at St Dominic’s.









1999
video – Taonga source: Rūaumoko Komiti
Mai Time features NZSL!
Mai Time made one of their episodes accessible in NZSL to mark Deaf Awareness Week 1999. KDEC’s sign singing choir and Patrick Thompson made an appearance along with as did Rūaumoko Marae’s kapa haka roopu.




1998
video – Taonga source: Television New Zealand Archive
Hearing Dogs for Deaf people sets up in NZ
A new scheme has begun, to train dogs to become hearing dogs for Deaf people, and also aims to have hearing dogs granted the same access rights as guide dogs for blind people.





1989
video – Taonga source: Manawatu Deaf Society
16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch
Opening ceremony and events at the 16th World Games for the Deaf, Christchurch 1989.


NZSL Stories


1968
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
A Deaf Child in the Family
“A Deaf Child in the Family” is an award-winning film which shows authentic scenes from Deaf education centres at Kelston, St Dominics and Sumner, produced as a resource for families of deaf children.







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


1972
video – Taonga source: Pam and Doug Croskery
Auckland Deaf Men’s Basketball team training
On Auckland’s West Coast, Auckland Deaf basketball men train for the New Zealand Deaf Sports Convention in Wellington 1972.


NZSL Stories


2006
video – Taonga source: DEAFinitely Youth Group
2nd National Deaf Youth Camp, 2006
Footage of the 2nd National Deaf Youth Camp was during 25 September to 30 September 2006, with 50 participants. The event was organised by Christchurch Deaf Youth Club which was set up after the 1st National Deaf Youth Camp.


NZSL Stories


1984
video – Taonga source: St Dominic’s Catholic Deaf Centre
St Dominic’s School for the Deaf 40th Anniversary Reunion
Footage from the 40th Anniversary of St Dominic’s school for the Deaf in Feilding held in June of 1984. This video shows a tour of the school grounds, welcoming speeches to attendees and the celebrations that follow over the weekend.









2010
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
The Berry Family: Part 2
We take you into the home of the Berrys and look at the lives of deaf New Zealanders. Playing poker is one of this family’s favourite pastimes!



NZSL Stories


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.







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1991
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts
Good old fashioned fun at the Christchurch Deaf Society’s picnic
Footage of the 1991 Christchurch Deaf Society's picnic day held at Spencer Park. On a progressively windy day the local Deaf community gathered to enjoy traditional Deaf community games including tug-of-war, egg throwing, welly throwing, and some less common games such as a dress-up relay.





1982
video – Taonga source: Dulcie McKie
Sign Singers: ‘Oh What a Beautiful Day’
The Sign Singers perform 'Oh What a Beautiful Day' broadcast on Stars on Sunday in February 1983.


NZSL Stories


1987
video – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury
‘News Review’ puts a spotlight on the New Zealand Deaf Games in Christchurch over the weekend of 23 – 26 October 1987
The 32nd New Zealand Games for the Deaf is featured on News Review, covering athletics, basketball, table tennis, lawn bowls and netball. The question, ‘Why have a Deaf Games?’ is put forward to competitors and officials! Footage also features the much appreciated ‘Canterbury Duck’ that Deaf kids had requested more of!


NZSL Stories


2008
video – Taonga source: Attitude Pictures
Nirvana teaching Sign Language
She’s a great mum and teacher and she’s deaf. Nirvana Graham is creating history by teaching our third official language in mainstream school.





1990
video – Taonga source: Richard Hay
Annual Picnic at Long Bay 1990
Auckland Deaf Society’s annual picnic at Long Bay where members compete in the 100m sprint (and fake starts!) and the boys show off their bodybuilding moves.



NZSL Stories
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