Last week, I received several funding requests from the newly re-established Waikato Deaf Society Inc. to support its 70th anniversary celebration at The Pavilion, Hamilton Gardens, scheduled for June 2026.
It is encouraging to see the Waikato Deaf Society re-establish after its dissolution in 2004. The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 replaces the 1908 Act and introduces updated requirements, such as annual reviews of the constitution and operations at the AGM, and reporting to their lawyer and bank. Waikato Deaf Society Inc. re-registered in late 2024 and is preparing to comply with the new Act in 2025.
In 2025, Waikato Deaf Society plans to celebrate its 70th anniversary by bringing the community together to reconnect, reflect on its history, and support the continued growth of Deaf members, their families, New Zealand Sign Language, and Deaf culture. While their anniversary message is forward-looking, my project focuses on the period from 1956 to 2004.
Please note there have been no active events or social groups since 1999. A brief attempt to revive activities for the Deaf community occurred between December 2019 and August 2023, but these efforts were not sustained.
If you would like to support the Waikato Deaf Society, please consider donating through their Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/waikato-deaf-society-inc-70th-years-anniversary.
Alternatively, you may use the embedded widget below.
Waikato Deaf Society Inc History 
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