New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters have been working hard this week to ensure Deaf people across Aotearoa New Zealand have access to critical emergency information. This week’s heavy rain and thunderstorms, and the tragedy they have caused, have reminded us all of the importance of being ready for emergency … Read more
Opening her valedictory address in parliament, Ardern has harked back to her maiden statement, almost 15 years ago, saying she couldn’t quite believe she was in parliament at the time, and some of that sentiment remained throughout her career. She was, she said, a “conviction based politician”, but accepted she … Read more
Abused as children for using sign language and blocked from accessing te ao Māori. That was the experience of many growing up in the Māori Deaf community, who are now taking part in a landmark Waitangi Tribunal hearing this week in Auckland. Their claims are part of a wider inquiry … Read more
The first time Monica Leach took part in the Oxfam Trailerwalker was with a group of hearing friends. Leach, who is Deaf and uses New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), found it difficult to communicate with the team. But last weekend, her team Deaf Power Walk completed it in Taranaki as … Read more
Cabinet (NZ Government) has agreed today to give Stats NZ more funding for the 2023 Census so that they can make changes for the affected communities that have been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and recent weather events. Stats NZ is giving people the time and space they need to focus … Read more
As Rihanna took the stage at the Super Bowl on Monday, one unlikely performer all but stole the pop superstar’s thunder – her sign language interpreter, Justina Miles . Miles blew away viewers with her energetic and strenuously rehearsed interpretation of Rihanna’s 13-minute long set, making history as the first … Read more
1st December 2022 The Government is adopting the majority of recommendations from an independent review into the actions of government agencies leading up to the death of 5-year-old Malachi Subecz, Minister for Children Kelvin Davis announced today. Following Malachi’s murder at the hands of his caregiver in 2021, Dame Karen … Read more
The Deaf community are frustrated after sign language interpreters were cut from the broadcast coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Advocacy group Deaf Aotearoa worked with Rugby World Cup organisers to arrange the signing of the national anthems during the Black Ferns game against Australia at Eden Park on … Read more
MEDIA STATEMENT Wednesday 12th October Deaf community disappointed by lack of NZSL during anthems before Rugby World Cup game Deaf Aotearoa worked closely with New Zealand Rugby and the Rugby World Cup organisers to arrange the signing of the national anthems in New Zealand Sign Language and Australian Sign Language … Read more
Deaf people across Aotearoa New Zealand will now have access to comprehensive advice about emergency preparedness, with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week marking the launch of Get Ready in NZSL by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with Deaf Aotearoa. Getready.govt.nz supports individuals, whānau, communities, schools and … Read more