Work with us
Learning & Development Coordinator
More infoLocation: Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch Make a difference in the Deaf community Join a growing and passionate team at Deaf Aotearoa working hard to make a difference in the Deaf community. Bring your learning and development skills to this exciting new role, providing accessible and effective learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs of Deaf…
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Upcoming events
Events
Sewing 101 – How to make a tote bag? – Christchurch
Deaf Society of Canterbury Inc 80 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch, New ZealandA tote bag is useful for carrying groceries, books, a laptop, or everyday items. How to use a sewing machine How to cut patterns How to put patterns together to sew a bag, using different colours Making tote bags can be a great way to become self-employed, whether to sell ... Read more
How to make a Digital Printed Book (2nd Workshop) – Northland
Te Kamo High School - Computer Room 1 Wilkinson Avenue, Te Kamo, Whangārei, New Zealand1st Workshop Come and learn about photo quality and how to plan what you want included in your book. We will have a scanner available for you to scan your photos and prepare them for your book. 2nd Workshop Start creating your digital book. Alana will teach you how to ... Read more
Financial Sustainability Skills- Christchurch
Deaf Society of Canterbury Inc 80 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch, New ZealandJoin us for a 3-week workshop series covering the following topics: 1 September – Everyday Money Tips 8 September – Getting Savvy with Savings 15 September – Borrow Smart and Pay Off Debt Would you like the opportunity to learn about budgeting, planning for your financial future, and building financial ... Read more
Living Well – Exercise & Nutrition – Wellington
Johnsonville Community Centre 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington, New ZealandWe will learn how to exercise safely and correctly at home. There will be fun activities and group discussions. We will also learn about healthy eating, why nutrition is important, and the best times to eat. Together, we will talk about the pros and cons of different habits so we ... Read more
Breast Health – Nelson
166 Tahunanui Drive Tāhunanui, Nelson 7011 166 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson, New ZealandPOSTPONED to Saturday, 19th September Learn how to check your breasts, understand what’s normal for you, and the importance of regular screening. This session includes helpful resources, giveaways, and hands-on practice using a breast model to help you recognise key signs and changes. Bring your own lunch Tea, coffee, and ... Read more
Employment Rights – Christchurch
Deaf Society of Canterbury Inc 80 Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch, New ZealandPOSTPONED to Saturday, 26th September Know Your Rights at Work This session with Deaf presenter, Chris Blum from Aotearoa Disability Law will help you build confidence, understand your rights, and learn how to protect yourself in the workplace. We will cover three key topics: Topics include: Deaf & Disability Discrimination ... Read more
Artificial Intelligence – AI – Nelson
Habitat For Humanity - Nelson 166 Tahunanui Drive, NelsonAI is being used worldwide and is getting more popular. Join us to find out what AI generators are and how people are using them. Focus Areas: Understanding how young people learn and use technology Practical tips for using new tools and methods effectively Please bring your mobile phone for ... Read more
How to make a tote bag – Southland
Southland Deaf Club Glengarry Crescent, Invercargill, Southland, New ZealandA tote bag is useful for carrying groceries, books, a laptop, or everyday items. How to use a sewing machine How to cut patterns How to put patterns together to sew a bag, using different colours Making tote bags can be a great way to become self-employed, whether to sell ... Read more
Living Well – Fishing, Water Safety & Emergency – Auckland
Huntings & Fishing - Westgate 33/47 Northside Drive, Auckland, New ZealandThis workshop teaches basic fishing skills plus expereinced fishermen skills, water safety, and what to do in an emergency. Participants will learn how to fish safely, stay safe around water, wear life jackets correctly, and respond to emergencies. The workshop helps build confidence, safety awareness, and practical skills for enjoying ... Read more
Living well- Fish Filleting Workshop – Auckland
Good From Scratch Taiapa Road, Muriwai, Auckland, New ZealandGood for Your Wellbeing No stress over cooking fish. Come and learn how to fillet your fish with confidence! Learn essential fish butchery skills in this hands-on workshop. Upskill your techniques for filleting two different types of fish. A chef will demonstrate seafood cooking techniques, depending on the fisherman's catch ... Read more
First Aid – Auckland
Auckland Deaf Society 16 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland, New Zealand1) Full Certificate Course (Full Day) Adult and infant CPR, emergency management, minor injury treatment, and defibrillator use. Assessment test at the end of the course. 2) Refresher Course (9:00 am to 2:30 pm) Adult and infant CPR, emergency management, minor injury treatment, and defibrillator use. Course materials and NCEA ... Read more
Planning for the future – Wellington
Deaf Aotearoa Lower Hutt Level 2/65 Waterloo Road, Hutt Central, WellingtonNZSL Video is coming soon Join Chris Blum from Aotearoa Disability Law for an informative workshop about planning for the future. Topics Covered: Supported Decision Making Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPR Act) Wills This is a great opportunity to learn about your ... Read more
What we do
Deaf Aotearoa is a national organisation representing the voice of Deaf people, and the national service provider for Deaf people in New Zealand.
Deaf Aotearoa also works closely with Deaf communities, government agencies and other organisations to increase awareness, promote New Zealand Sign Language and strengthen the rights of Deaf people.
Deaf Aotearoa is one of 133 ordinary members of the World Federation of the Deaf and is also the New Zealand representative.
Information in Sign Language
The government has stated that a new and innovative approach is needed to meaningfully improve accessibility in New Zealand.
Here you will find some of the work from Government Agencies and Government Ministries in NZSL, as part of their commitment to ensuring that Disabled people have access to vital information.
Latest NZSL Translations
Our Services
Deaf Aotearoa delivers flexible and responsive services which accommodates the Deaf community’s needs. We provide knowledge, information, resources and skills. With these, Deaf people are able to independently manage events in their own lives.
Deaf Aotearoa works with government agencies, businesses and other organisations to provide information and resources on life for Deaf New Zealanders, the Deaf community and NZSL.
Deaf Aotearoa delivers key services to the Deaf community, in line with the objectives defined in the Strategic Direction.
These services are designed to ensure Deaf people can achieve their goals at any stage in life, from birth onwards.
Adults and Seniors
Hauora
Deaf Aotearoa’s Hauora* service is a nationwide service that understands and responds to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people’s needs.
The Hauora service offers:
- needs assessment and coordination
- applications for assistive equipment
- information and advice.
*Hauora is an holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It is a Māori concept that views wellbeing as a combination of physical health, emotional/mental health, being socially healthy, and being spiritually healthy.
Adults and Seniors
Employment
Deaf Aotearoa’s Employment service is a nationwide service focused on getting Deaf and hard-of-hearing people into successful employment.
It includes pre-employment support and in-work support for both the Deaf person and employers.
The Employment service offers support for:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to get a job
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to remain in their job
- employers to understand more about employing Deaf people, including information on Deaf culture and funding for New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters in the workplace.
Children and Youth
First Signs
A nationwide Deaf Aotearoa service for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children aged 0-5, supporting families and whānau with:
- Learning New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
- Language development
- Learning about being Deaf/hard-of-hearing in Aotearoa
- Connecting with other families and Deaf role models.
First Signs brings NZSL into the home and family/whānau environments, making learning NZSL fun.
iSign Interpreting Service
iSign enables access and participation for Deaf people by providing professional and confidential New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreting services.
iSign is a nationwide service enabling effective communication between Deaf and hearing people.
iSign matches job requests with available and appropriate interpreters throughout New Zealand.
iSign contracts more than 80 qualified interpreters who are all members of their professional body, ensuring a confidential and professional service.
Funding is available to cover a wide range of interpreting service jobs.
iSign staff can advise on available sources of funding. Funding information is also available on the ‘How it Works/Who Pays?’ page of the iSign website.
