Last nite we visted the Canterbury Deaf Club, the largest Deaf Club on the South Island of New Zealand with over 70 members. The gymnasium sized room is filled with a movie screen TV, hot food, drinks, pool table, and many prized possessions of the Christchurch Deaf community, such as bowling trophies, history, Club president photos, etc.
With anticipation on how we would communicate in NZ sign language, we were greeted with a warm "kia ora" welcome! This was our first event and exposure to a community of people using NZ sign language. They were extremely patient to communicate, gesture and teach us NZ signs. They took an interest in two Americans visiting their country and willingly participated in our Discovering Deaf Worlds project.
We learned that there are approximately 500 signing Deaf people in Christchurch, and 5 qualified interpreters. Many are actively involved with the Deaf Club, DANZ (Deaf Association of New Zealand), and the Van Asch Education Centre. They recommend we try the famous Kiwi fish and chips (real fish straight from the Pacific Ocean, not plastic tasting processed fish like Long John Silvers). New Zealanders are most passionate about their unique breathtaking mountainous/glacier landscapes and the local Rugby team, the All-Blacks.
On Monday, we look forward to visiting Van Asch (one of two government funded Deaf schools in New Zealand). Stay tuned for more updates, photos....and eventually video to our website.
Photos:
The Canterbury Deaf Club crew
4 comments:
awesome - my great grandfather owned a hotel which is now a brewery .. or brewery now a hotel -- called the Warner Hotel. it's in Christchurch .. I myself am Deaf and have a hard of hearing sister...
i look forward to pictures and video of your experiences!
Noni Warner
Hey David and Christy:
How nice to see you with new found friends! Thanks for the update. Think of you often.
Hugs and Love to both.
momj
Hello David and Christy, Don't forget to send us your footage, so we can make programmes to show your journey to the world on VeeSee's Digital Deaf TV Channel and on Satellite too. We can also make an advert to raise funds for you in the programming too. Send to Susie Grant, Deafeatures Limited, P.O. Box 119, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9WW, UK. (susie@deafeatures.co.uk) Much love on your adventures and keep safe!! It is the most amazing thing to do ever!!
David and Christy:
We have some elementary information on what you are doing. It is very interesting and enjoyable. We wish you good luck and good health. God bless you. Love Pops and Bette
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