Youth Board Report
Kia ora koutou,
Looking back over the past year, it has been another busy period filled with achievements and growth. As the Deaf Aotearoa Youth Board, we continue to work towards our four key goals: Network and Advocacy, Online Engagement, national and international initiatives. We work closely with the Executive Board to ensure that the Deaf youth lens is included in their thinking and decisions.
Our Board is made up of five members: Zoe (Chairperson), Meghan, Jorja, Ryley, and Cha’nel. As we each balance study, work, and family life, we have delegated responsibilities within the Board to manage our workload effectively. Zoe and Jorja lead international communications and World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS) matters, while Meghan and Ryley focus on Deaf youth events in Aotearoa, including NZSL Week activities, local youth events, and presentations.
This year we also welcomed three new co-opted members following an open expression of interest through our online platforms: Tiana, Angelena, and Chetna. We are overjoyed to have them join our Board and contribute their perspectives. It has been great to see them attending meetings, learning how the Youth Board operates, and helping us ensure that our work remains sustainable and relevant by building and empowering future Deaf youth leaders in Aotearoa.
Highlights and Achievements
We are proud to celebrate a number of milestones this year. One of our members, Cha’nel, was selected for Frontrunners 20 in Denmark and was elected as Secretary of the WFDYS for the remaining two years of the 2023–2027 term. Our Board has adapted well to working online, which means we can continue to collaborate with Cha’nel and benefit from her input while she is overseas.
We also streamlined our process for WFDYS camp selection by developing clear policies and guidelines to support young people and their families. This included establishing online gatherings for campers and leaders to meet and learn International Sign before travelling. This approach proved highly successful for the 2025 WFDYS Children’s Camp and will continue for future camps.
For the 2025 Children’s Camp in Canada, we selected a team of three campers and one leader:
- Campers: Izzy McEwan (Christchurch), Betty Skinley (Christchurch), and Elliot Hutchinson (Wellington)
- Leader: Jorja Steele (Christchurch)
They travelled to Parry Sound, Ontario, and had an incredible experience representing Aotearoa.
Parent testimonials:
“We were so excited for Elliot to have this opportunity and so thankful for everyone who was involved in making the trip happen. It was an amazing experience for him. Thank you.” – C. Vincent
“Our daughter put her hand up to attend WFDYS Camp 2025. The Youth Board team were so great and supportive from the beginning, assisting with fundraising ideas, holding regular information sessions and mini sign classes in International Sign. While the group was away, they shared daily updates and photos. They are a passionate team who are an absolute asset to the Deaf youth of New Zealand.” – J. Skinley
We also strengthened our connection with Deaf Youth Australia and began outreach to Pacific Deaf youth. Attending events such as the WFD Congress and Conference has helped us build valuable relationships across the Oceania region.
Another exciting development was the launch of our Monthly Kaupapa project, designed to encourage online discussion and learning among Deaf and hard of hearing young people in Aotearoa. Our first topic, presented by Cha’nel, focused on Frontrunners and inspired great engagement.
We continue to create engaging and relevant social media content for Deaf youth, and it has been encouraging to see growing interaction and sharing over the past year.
Acknowledgements
We are always looking for ways to connect with young people and strengthen our work. We welcome anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the Deaf Aotearoa Youth Board to get in touch.
I am proud to serve as Chair of the Youth Board and of everything we have achieved together. It is important to remember that this work is done voluntarily in our evenings and weekends, and I deeply appreciate everyone’s commitment.
Thank you to:
- Tiana, Angelena, and Chetna for joining the Board this year and learning the ropes.
- Jorja for leading the New Zealand campers to WFDYS Canada and preparing them through training and International Sign sessions.
- Cha’nel for your continued contribution and support from wherever you are in the world.
- Meghan and Ryley for leading our Monthly Kaupapa initiative and creative work across social media and branding.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.
I am looking forward to another exciting year ahead.
Ngā mihi nui,
Zoe Ferguson
Chair, Deaf Aotearoa Youth Board
