Auckland Deaf Society reopens renovated space for community

July 21st 2014

Auckland Deaf Society reopens newly renovated space for Deaf community

Deaf Kaumatua of Ruamoko Marae to blesses Deaf community hub

The Auckland Deaf Society will reopened its Deaf community hub on Friday after six months of extensive renovations to improve the social, sporting and recreational facilities for Auckland’s Deaf people.

Officially opened by the Albert-Eden Local Board Chair, Dr Peter Haynes, the space was blessed by Michael Wi, Kaumatua of the Deaf Marae at Kelston Deaf Education Centre, Ruamoko Marae.

Sign language singing star, 19-year-old Nerry Kahi, performed a song in sign language surrounded by many members of the Auckland Deaf community, to celebrate the reopening.

Local board Chair Dr Haynes says he is thrilled to open the new Auckland Deaf Society Community Hub.

“These facilities are already very well used and the renovations have increased their value immensely,” says Dr Haynes.

“They serve not only the particular needs of the Deaf community but are also shared with the local community. We are fortunate in having the Auckland Deaf Society in our Board’s area and look forward to working closely with it in the future.” says Dr Haynes.

President of the Auckland Deaf Society, John Schischka, says the main reason behind renovating the hub rooms were to provide members with a more flexible meeting space which can better cater for all the different activities and groups the Deaf community currently enjoy.

“The Auckland Deaf Society is an important meeting place for Deaf people of all ages,” says John.

“We have many Deaf senior citizens who regularly come and take part in the cultural, sporting and leisure activities as well as a strong youth group which hosts events and are famous for the great Quiz nights. We are also the home-base for numerous sports, arts, recreational and interest groups,” says John.

“The new renovated space means we can now create more opportunities for our members, the local community, stakeholders and the New Zealand Sign Language student community to get involved.”

“The refreshed space is more contemporary and inviting to hearing sign language students who want to come and practice their sign language in a real life environment and better the understand Deaf culture,” says John.

About Auckland Deaf Society
The Auckland Deaf Society is the heart of the Auckland New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) community. It provides a range of sports, social and recreational activities for our NZSL community, particularly the Deaf community to help enrich their lives. The society welcomes participation from all sectors of the community and holds regular NZSL classes, Deaf awareness workshops and networking events to engage with others.

ENDS

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