Northland mum Katie Wilkinson creates Deaf Tamariki group to support hearing-impaired kids
Katie Wilkinson and her fiance, Matt Jacobson, with daughters Mary and Clara.
For Northland mum Katie Wilkinson, discovering her second daughter was born deaf has exposed her family to a “whole new world”, one she feels privileged to be part of.
The Whangārei resident’s baby, Mary, now 2, initially failed her newborn hearing test, then, a few weeks later, failed it again.
After screening in the audiology unit at Whangārei Hospital, Wilkinson and her fiance, Matt Jacobson, were told Mary had unilateral hearing loss, meaning she is profoundly deaf in one ear.
Wilkinson said the news was “horrendous”.
“When we first found out about Mary’s hearing loss, there were so many feelings flying around that almost felt like they weren’t allowed to be spoken about.
“I remember being so sad that she might never hear me use my voice to tell her I loved her.
“I remember wondering what her future held and thinking, ‘How on Earth am I going to tackle this and appear strong for her and everyone else?’
“It’s a whole new world that’s suddenly you’re part of.”
Though Mary still has hearing in one ear, overall it’s “up and down as to how much she can hear”, and she often gets overwhelmed in loud situations, Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson and her family, including 4-year-old Clara, began learning sign language through Deaf Aotearoa, with monthly lessons.
Needing more support but finding little, Wilkinson started the group Deaf Tamariki Te Tai Tokerau to help others in her situation.
While specialist services are available in Northland, grassroots groups help fill gaps in community connection and day‑to‑day support for deaf children and their families.
The group provides an inclusive environment empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families through New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
Regular monthly meetings are advertised on Facebook and held at Whangārei Central Baptist Church.
Wilkinson said she hoped the group could “facilitate access to all the things our tamariki might need to give them the best possible start in life”.
The first meeting in May was “so good”, she said, with about 30 people turning out, including deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, and professionals such as teachers.
“It’s so nice to be able to expose Mary to people of all ages from her community and for her to make connections.
“There is a beauty and strength that comes with this community, and this language and our tamariki and whānau deserve to feel like equals in a world that wasn’t designed for them.
“My hope is that as this group grows, it becomes this big amazing community that ... shows everyone what a privilege it is to be the parent of a deaf child and a part of the deaf community.”
This year marks 20 years since NZSL became an official language.
According to the 2023 Census, more than 24,600 people use NZSL, with an estimated 4500 of these being deaf users.
Wilkinson said Mary was “doing great”.
“As a parent, there’s always a silent constant worry; you’re constantly thinking about what next.
“When you have a child with a disability, it makes you stop and enjoy the moment and appreciate every small milestone.
“It almost makes you more fiercely protective of them and how they deserve to be seen.”
Her message to other parents of hearing-impaired children is to “embrace it”.
“Come along and voice your concerns or your wins.
“As scary as it can be going into a new world, there are other people in your situation. We’ve been there before, and we want to help.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.