01 July 2010
On 30 April 2010, the Minister for Disability Issues announced that the review of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 (NZSL Act) would go ahead in the second half of 2010. The Office for Disability Issues is now beginning this review. It will start on 1 July 2010. The Minister will present the report on the review to Parliament before the end of 2010.
Under the NZSL Act, Deaf people and organisations representing their interests must be consulted in the review. The Office has set up an advisory group of Deaf people to guide it in developing and managing the review. The Office will also hold two rounds of consultations within the community. The advisory group will be helping the Office decide on the best timing for these and the best ways to consult people so as to get as broad a response as possible from the Deaf community.
The Office will also be consulting with government departments, NZSL interpreters, and other people with an interest in the NZSL Act.
The Office will publish details about the advisory group and regular updates on the review, including arrangements for its consultations, on its website, www.odi.govt.nz.
