We have witnessed Deaf students embark on an incredible journey of growth in self-esteem, learning, overcoming challenges, and active involvement in events, activities, and so much more. We have encouraged them to reflect independently to foster growth.

Our residence feels like whānau full of staff and students; it's a social Deaf space, rich in Deaf culture, with fluent communication through NZSL. This whare is a special place that provides a warm and welcoming environment for all of us.

In 2024, we welcomed nine new students:

Mason Abraham (Kelston Intermediate School)
Andre Hesp (Kelston Boys' High School)
Max Durrant (Kelston Boys' High School)
Shanalia Shaw (Kelston Girls' College School)
Mikaila Shaw (Kelston Girls' College School)
Tiana Petre (Kelston Girls' College School)
Talib Prime (Tū Kōkiri)
Jasonta Poki (Tū Kōkiri)

Weekly Activities:

Reflecting on our weekly activities throughout 2024, I've chosen three standout highlights that truly made this year memorable.

Matariki

During Matariki week, we celebrated the Māori New Year in an amazing way. We saw Deaf students enthusiastically learning how to prepare and cook boil-up meals, showcasing their teamwork and preparation skills. I taught one of my colleagues how to make Māori Fried Bread, and together, we showed the students how to prepare and fry this traditional bread.

I want to honour all the students for their hard work in preparing the hāngī the evening before, ensuring everything was ready for the next day. It was heartwarming to witness this as a whānau coming together, highlighting the importance of fostering their learning, developing skills, and working together as a team.

We welcomed a guest who joined us to share insights and help us better understand the meaning of Matariki. The students thoroughly enjoyed the celebration and look forward to celebrating it again in 2025.

Paris Olympics

The Paris Olympics sparked interest among Deaf students, particularly in learning about the Deaflympics and how Deaf individuals can actively participate in sports. We invited Deaf guest Suzanne Ovens to share her inspiring experiences at the Deaflympics. The students were deeply engaged, asking numerous questions and enjoying the discussion. They felt inspired and encouraged, realising that as Deaf individuals, they can achieve great things in sports and beyond.

Deaf Youth Hui

It was a busy week during the Deaf Youth Hui, where we welcomed five students from outside Auckland to stay at the residence alongside our regular students. They were amazed to see so many residents using NZSL fluently. These interactions provided valuable learning experiences, with our resident students and Deaf staff serving as strong role models within the Deaf community.

The Deaf Youth Hui focused on learning NZSL and exploring Deaf culture, with the residence serving as a central hub for a rich Deaf space. The students also delved into Deaf history, engaged in NZSL games, and built connections. It was an incredible week of growth and discovery with these five students.

Weekend Activities

On weekends, the resident students regularly participate in various activities vital for their social connections and overall wellbeing. Among their favourite weekend activities this year, three stand out.

Hot Pools

The students are always excited about swimming in different locations, and they especially enjoy combining the experience with a delicious BBQ meal.

Mall Visits

The students enjoy going to the mall as it provides a relaxing environment where they can explore a variety of shops, including those offering clothing, accessories, and much more.

Fishing

The students always look forward to fishing trips, eager to develop their skills in using fishing gear and learning how to catch fish.

Fitness and Sports

We offer various sports activities for students to participate in, including weekly netball sessions every Friday evening, where they train and play alongside members of the Deaf community. This has been a fantastic opportunity for the students to socialise while enjoying the game.

Additionally, they have been involved in Touch Rugby, training and learning the sport to build their confidence and skills as they prepare for the Australia Deaf Games in 2026. This provides an incredible opportunity for our resident Deaf students to be actively engaged and inspired and to look up to other Deaf individuals as role models.

Students

Callan

Kia ora everyone, my name is Callan.

I play rugby league and have been attending league for a long time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The team is hearing, but they communicate well. The coach is great too, we can talk and they always clearly tell me where to go and what to focus on. I always listen to the coach, it's been great. Win or lose, it doesn't matter it's about the game. I hope I can keep playing next year.

Diamond

Kia ora, hello.

My name is Diamond, and this is my sign name. I'm involved in sports. I play netball at school, with Kelston Girls' College. I'm the only Deaf player on the team. I enjoy practising with the team on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When we had our game, I felt confident because of all the good training we'd done. We didn't win, but we placed second.

We farewell the following students in 2024

Brooklyn Teaurere - West – 7 years
Holden Tangiwai Spencer – 7 years
Jasonta Poki – 1 year

Farewell messages

Brooklyn's goodbye
Holden's goodbye

Napier / Hawke's Bay