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The 007Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand Contest, the first of its kind in the 21st century, took place at Alexandra Park Function Centre, on 22nd September. Big hands up go to DEAFinitely Youth Group and the modelling sub-committee for taking the initiative to organise a marvellous night to conclude the National Week of Deaf people. All proceeds from this event went towards the 2nd Asia Pacific Deaf Youth Camp.
The atmophere was lively, there was a sense of exitement and as Tony Walton, President of the Deaf Association of New Zealand says, "Tonight is a DEAF night. A celebration of our people, our community, our Sign Language, our culture and our Beauty".
Victoria Skorikova, Chirperson of DEAFinitely Youth Group and Tony Walton, made suberb MC's keeping the audience spellbound. Guests were entertained by GLAD performance, and speeched by special guest speakers, Miss World New Zealand Amie Hewitt, and Green MP Nandoor Tanzcos. The highlight of the night was, of course, the greatly anticipated return of the Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand contest to end the eleven year long drought, in which Julie-Anne Taylor was crowned in 1991.
Contestants dazzled the crowd, parading around in semi-formal, sportswear, beachwear, casual wear and formal wear. To conclude, each contestant had to answer the following question, "If you were in control of the world for one day, what would you do and why?".
The judges had difficulty in selecting the final three from a field of vibrant, young Deaf people. Among the judges were John Schischka, Deaf community representative; Ros Taylor, Organiser of Miss World New Zealand;Tricia Fitzgerald, Former CEO of the Deaf Association of New Zealand and Anita Treefoot, Queer Nation Television Presenter. Just after the stroke of twelve, the crowning of Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand 2001 took place. The Miss Deaf New Zealand 2001 title went to Ursula Becroft-Thynne, a Bachelor of Science student at the University of Auckland, Mr Deaf New Zealand 2001 title went to Darryl Alexander, a Bachelor of Sports and Recreation student at Auckland University of Technology. The Runner-up titles went to Sara Pivac, Miss Deaf New Zealand 1st Runner-up; Daniel Harborne, Mr Deaf New Zealand 1st Runner-up; Nirvana Graham, Miss Deaf New Zealand 2nd Runner-up; Patrick Thompson, Mr Deaf New Zealand 2nd Runner-up.
The 007 party rocked on into the wee hours of the morning, the last group of people leaving just before 4am! It was DEAFinitely a night to remember. There is even talk of making the Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand a regular event - hopefully Deaf Communities in other parts of New Zealand will take initiative next time. For those who missed out on an action packed night, view the show on tape. Order the official video of 007 Miss and Mr Deaf New Zealand for only \\$25.00 from DEAFinitely Youth Group.