Can my hearing husband/wife/partner attend the conference?

Yes, they can the whole family is welcome as they are part of Deaf community/culture. There will be a workshop for hearing participants to talk about their family, how to raise CODA/deaf children and many opportunities to share with other parents.

What is in the programme?

Draft programme:

• Sat morning – short conference and debate panels for parent. Workshops for older children/teenagers. Fun activities for smaller children
• Sat afternoon – choice of workshops for parents
• Sun morning – conference for 1 hour. Workshops/panels for 2 hours.

I am unable to afford the transport costs for my family to attend this conference.

You can apply a grant from one of your local charities, i.e. Lion Club, Blue Lagoon Charity (Tauranga area only), Deaf Development Fund (www.jrmckenzie.org.nz/deaf-developmentfund) to help with your transport and conference fee. You just need to explain that it this conference would benefit both yourself and your family.That this is the first event of its kind in New Zealand, and that the same event does occur overseas in both UK and America.If you need further assistance, you could contact your service co-ordinator at your local Deaf Aotearoa office. It may be worth applying, you never know the outcome.

I am a solo parent/one parent and one child/two children – Do I still haveto pay $100?

Family is two parents and up to three children. If you are a solo parent and have one/two children, you can ask a friend who can join with you as a partner and have one/two children. Which means you will be able to spilt the costs and each pay $50.FAQ for 1st NZ Deaf Parent Conference

Who is the FREE accommodation for?

Free accommodation is on a first come first serve basis, in regard to your registration form! However first propriety is for those travelling from outside of Auckland i.e. Wellington,Tauranga, Christchurch, Hamilton and Whangarei.

Pick up from airport?

We will organise one coach for those travelling from outside of Auckland to arrive at the airport possibly around 5pm (time to be confirmed closer to the day). The coach will also take them back to the airport at 3pm on the Sunday. We do advise you to book airfares to arrive in Auckland before 4.30pm and wait for coach on Friday 11th May, and book your return airfare on Sunday 13th May after 4pm. The coach will arrive at the camp at 2.45pm. Please note this on your registration form before the deadline. The camp to the airport is approximately 1 hour driving. There will be no charge for this coach.

Is the camp for everyone?

Yes, it is for both parents and children. Deaf, hearing impaired, oral and signing, cochlear implants, all are welcome

Who is involved in organising this event?

Monica Leach is the co-ordinator of this event and to date there are three committee members: Victoria Walters (email: nzvwbug@hotmail.com), Judith Serfortein (email:judithandwayne@xtra.co.nz) and James Pole (email: James.Pole@deaf.org.nz) and receiving support from Deaf Aotearoa.