Honouring the Legacy of Stephanie Awheto

Deaf Aotearoa was deeply privileged to recognise Stephanie Awheto with Te Panekiritanga o te Reo Rotarota recognising her lifetime of achievement at the NZSL Awards, acknowledging her immense contributions to the Deaf community, the promotion and safeguarding of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and her enduring advocacy for Turi Māori. Sadly, Stephanie passed away not long after the awards, but her legacy as a leader, advocate, mentor and educator will continue to inspire generations to come.

Stephanie’s journey as an interpreter between NZSL, te reo Māori, and English began when she forged a lifelong connection to the Deaf world through her relationship with the late Patrick Thompson. Together, they laid the foundations for Turi Māori, working tirelessly to help them reconnect with their whanau, whakapapa, marae, iwi and te reo Māori. After Patrick’s passing, Stephanie carried on his legacy, becoming a powerful advocate for the Turi Māori community.

Stephanie was a pioneer in her field, becoming Aotearoa New Zealand’s first trilingual interpreter- working fluently between NZSL, te reo Māori, and English. Her expertise allowed Turi Māori to access te reo Māori spaces in ways that had rarely been possible before. She travelled the country, often on short notice, to interpret at tangi, enabling Deaf people to share their memories and honour their loved ones in a deeply meaningful and appropriate way. She also interpreted at significant national events, including Waitangi Day services, pōwhiri, and other Māori ceremonies, opening up these spaces to the Deaf community.

One of Stephanie’s most significant contributions was her work developing Māori sign concepts, allowing for deeper and richer conversations within te ao Māori. She held regular wānanga with Māori interpreters, mentoring many and fostering a sense of connection and growth.

Her efforts didn’t stop with her work in the field – she also served as a Māori representative for the Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ) and worked closely with the current board to strengthen relationships between SLIANZ and Māori interpreters.

Stephanie’s commitment to strengthening the connections between Turi Māori and their cultural roots extended far beyond interpreting. She facilitated conversations and gatherings that helped bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing Māori, bringing people together in a shared understanding of te ao Māori. Her influence can be felt in the countless lives she touched – her work often quiet, but always impactful.

In the final months of her life, Stephanie continued to share her vast knowledge and passion, organising a wānanga for Māori interpreters. This gathering wasn’t just about interpreting but about understanding te ao Māori through the same lens she had shared with Turi Māori for years. Her generosity in passing on her wisdom is one of the many ways she leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and connection.

Stephanie Awheto’s lifetime of service to the Deaf and Māori communities is a testament to her dedication, strength, and compassion. Her pioneering work has forever changed the landscape for Turi Māori, and we are proud to have honoured her incredible achievements.

Deaf Aotearoa will continue to celebrate and remember Stephanie as a guiding light for all who seek to connect with their culture and language. Her influence will be felt for many years to come, and we are forever grateful for the immense contribution she made to our world.