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Deaf Youth Hui

Ko Taku Reo Deaf Youth Hui Enable Deaf and hard of hearing students become confident leaders of their own lives

Our Program

Our program offers our national Ko Taku Reo students an opportunity to come together at our Auckland and Christchurch campus for five days of learning, culture, challenges and fun.

The Hui encourages independence by enabling each student to complete their journey through self-discovery and resilience. Our aim is to strengthen their sense of identity and build friendships.

Ko Wai Au?: Explaining who I am as a Deaf person

Ko Wai Au? (Who Am I?)

At the beginning of a Deaf person’s journey into Deafhood, there may be a lot of reflections about who they are, exploring the multiple aspects of their identity. The Deaf person may also ask questions about why they are deaf and investigate if there are other deaf members in the family to learn more about their deaf identity and their connections to their languages and cultures.

Term 2
When: 20 - 24 May 2024
Campus: Sumner, Christchurch

Deaf People and Deaf Space: Explaining Leadership and Deaf Space

Deaf People and Deaf Space

From the first step of recognizing themselves as a Deaf person, children can begin to see other Deaf people in the Deaf world who share similar experiences, explore sign language, Deaf culture, and shared history. Students can start to compare the Deaf and hearing worlds. This gives Deaf students more confidence and pride in themselves as Deaf people.

Term 2
When: 17 - 21 June 2024
Campus: Kelston, Auckland

Rights as Deaf People: Access, advocacy and knowing ‘me’

Rights of Deaf People

Once students know who they are and understand the Deaf and hearing worlds, they can learn about their rights, place, and value in the world as Deaf beings. These may be around their access needs and rights to participate in society. This could involve exploring creative solutions to remove barriers so their rights are supported and they can get ahead in life.

Term 3
When: 12 - 16 August 2024
Campus: Kelston, Auckland

Sustainability of Deaf Culture & Deaf Community: Maintaining Deaf Culture in the Community

Sustainability of Deaf Culture and Deaf Community

By knowing who they are, their place in the Deaf and hearing worlds, and the rights to participate in society, students also need to understand their responsibilities around the sustainability of Deaf culture and the Deaf community, which is to protect and sustain the precious taonga of the language and culture of the Deaf community. Students see the current and future risks and challenges of reductions in Deaf communities and sign language use, which is a considerable concern. Therefore, students can consider their responsibilities to ensure that Deaf communities thrive and are sustained collectively with their peers.

Term 4
When: 4 - 8 November 2024
Campus: Sumner, Christchurch

Navigating Different Worlds: Exploring the difference and process of becoming and ‘being’ Deaf

Navigating Different Worlds

Once students have been through the first four themes, where they grow in confidence within the Deaf and hearing worlds, their rights for access and their responsibility to their community, then they will learn about navigating different worlds. Within the Deaf world, there are diverse communities such as Deaf queer, Māori, Pasifika, immigrants, and many more in New Zealand Aotearoa but also in the world with international Deaf events. Students will hopefully ignite an interest in travel and connecting with Deaf people worldwide.


Term 4
When: 2 - 6 December 2024
Campus: Kelston, Auckland

For further information on Deaf Youth Hui, please contact our In-Reach Coordinators via immersion@kotakureo.school.nz

Student FAQs

  • We're so glad you asked! Our Deaf Youth Hui's are five days of learning about self-identity, deaf awareness, Deaf history, culture, making connections, and developing skills and resilience. These Huis allow students to interact with their peers, teachers, and Deaf role models during fun activities at the Ko Taku Reo campuses and on day trips.

  • Our Deaf Youth Hui's are open to all Ko Taku Reo students in the Outreach School.

  • We invite 8-10 students to attend each Hui.

  • If your RTD applies to come and can take time away from their other students, they can attend.

  • Deaf Youth Hui's are about developing independence and building resilience with like-minded peers. As much as your parents will miss you it’s essential to take this journey without them and, you will have amazing stories to share when you return home!

  • Absolutely nothing! Ko Taku Reo covers all costs.

  • Talk to your parents/caregivers first, then Join us and embark on an exciting journey towards success! Apply now.

  • In both Auckland and Christchurch.

  • Ko Taku Reo will coordinate and pay for your flights to attend if you're not local to either Auckland or Christchurch.

  • We understand! Flying can be a little nerve-wracking, but if you're under 16, we will book your flight as an ''Unaccompanied Minor'', which means that the Airport Staff will take extra special care of you. If you're over 16, then you can be booked with ''Airport Assist''.

    Ko Taku Reo staff will be waiting for you at the other end to greet you at the airport and to take you to the Deaf Youth Hui.

  • Yes! We will work with your parents and our staff to understand how best to support you while with us. We will cater to any physical needs/food allergies/medical requirements so your time with us is as enjoyable as possible.

  • Yes, of course! We have interpreters available during the day, and our residential team can communicate in NZSL and spoken English.

  • Yes! Please come again! You're welcome to apply to different Huis that may interest you as you progress through your learning and life stages with Ko Taku Reo.

  • Please contact our In-Reach Coordinator – Hayley, at immersion@kotakureo.school.nz or 027 226 1261.

Deaf Youth Hui 2024 Dates

  • Ko Wai Au?: Explaining who I am as a Deaf person

    When: 20 - 24 May
    Campus    : Sumner, Christchurch

    Deaf People and Deaf Space: Explaining Leadership and Deaf Space

    When: 17 - 21 June
    Campus:     Kelston, Auckland

  • Rights as Deaf People: Access, advocacy and knowing ‘me’


    When:     12 - 16 August
    Campus    : Kelston, Auckland

  • Sustainability of Deaf Culture & Deaf Community: Maintaining Deaf Culture in the Community

    When:     4 - 8 November
    Campus    : Sumner, Christchurch

    Navigating Different Worlds: Exploring the difference and process of becoming and ‘being’ Deaf

    When: 2 - 6 December
    Campus:     Kelston, Auckland