Deaf & Hard of Hearing grassroots gathering in Wellington – 15 November 2025

The Deaf and hard of hearing grassroots community will travel from across Aotearoa to gather for a landmark celebration of culture, leadership, and connection.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community will come together in Wellington on Saturday, 15 November 2025, for a full day of celebration, connection, and recognition at the Deaf Expo and Clive Morgan Deaf Awards 2025. Held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre, the day will feature two major components: Deaf Expo 3 from 10am to 3pm, a free event open to all, followed by the Clive Morgan Deaf Awards in the evening.

This is a grassroots weekend which is Deaf/hard of hearing-led and has been getting promoted through regional Deaf Clubs and networks.

Deaf Expo 3

The Deaf Expo 3 will showcase Deaf-led businesses, services, and organisations that empower and support the community. Visitors can expect to connect with businesses and organisations that have services for the Deaf/hard of hearing community, as well as supporting Deaf artists and businesses that are promoting their work. New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters will be present throughout the day.  Entry to the Expo is free, and everyone throughout Aotearoa is welcome.

Clive Morgan Deaf Awards

In the evening, attention will turn to the Clive Morgan Deaf Awards Dinner, which will honour outstanding Deaf individuals who have made significant contributions in their sectors. The Awards celebrate leadership, creativity, advocacy, and service, particularly from those whose efforts have gone unrecognised until now. This is a ticketed event which has sold out and will bring together community members, families, and supporters from across Aoteaora who are travelling to Wellington. The Nominations Panel received a high number of nominations for the 11 Award Categories which include Sport, Theatre, Film, Volunteering, Advocacy, Māori Leadership and more.

The Awards have been named in memory of Clive Morgan, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2025. He was well known and deeply respected within the Deaf grassroot community for his passion for sport and his dedication to supporting grassroots Deaf and hard-of-hearing initiatives. His energy, encouragement, and kindness touched many lives.

As we continue to celebrate Clive’s spirit and legacy, we also remember Clive, his commitment, his enthusiasm, and his belief in building strong, inclusive communities. The awards continue his legacy of uplifting the Deaf community and recognising excellence within it.

Organisers say the event aims to shine a light on the positive impact Deaf/hard of hearing grassroot people are making across the country.

“There are so many Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who have made incredible contributions to their sector, and they don’t do it for the recognition, and many have passed on without people celebrating their contributions.  This event is about celebrating their contributions ensuring their achievements are visible and valued,” said the Organising Committee members. “The Deaf Expo 3 will bring our Aotearoa community and supporters together, and the Awards will honour those who’ve made an incredible impact.”

The Deaf Expo and Clive Morgan Deaf Awards together represent a major milestone in recognising the contributions of Deaf people in their communities.

Social Pizza Night to Welcome Visitors to Wellington

We also have a Social Pizza Night to welcome those who are travelling to Wellington for the event on the Friday, at Wellington Deaf Society.

Sponsors and Supporters

Deaf Expo 3 has been sponsored by NZSL Board, Pelorus Trust and the Hutt City Council. The Clive Morgan Deaf Awards have been sponsored by the Spectrum Foundation, Connect and Total Risk. There have been many other supporters and volunteers donating their time and talents to make this event happen.

ENDS

For further information

For more information visit http://www.deafexpo.nz or contact the Committee (Deaf) at Deafevent25@gmail.com. YouTube - NZSL: Clive Morgan Deaf Awards - YouTube | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CliveMorganDeafAwards