Policy and Advocacy: Strengthening Deaf Leadership and Systemic Change
This year has been one of strong representation and steady progress for our policy and advocacy mahi. With a change in Government, numerous legislative reviews and policy reforms created opportunities to reinforce Deaf perspectives, strengthen accessibility frameworks, and ensure NZSL and Deaf culture remain visible across public policy.
National Representation and Policy Engagement
Deaf Aotearoa made submissions on a wide range of policy and legislative matters, ensuring Deaf voices were included in conversations shapingthe future of Aotearoa. Submissions this year included:
- Strengthening New Zealand’s emergency management legislation
- Improving access to basic transaction accounts (banking)
- Review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010
- Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan
- Civil Aviation Authority Safety Briefings
- Media Reform
- Shadow Report on the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
- Disability Support Services
- Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill
- Mental Health Bill
- Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill
- PHARMAC proposals to change restrictions on treatments for ADHD
- Taxation and the Not-for-Profit sector
- Plain Language Act Repeal Bill
- Online Casino Gambling Bill
- Changes to the Corrections Act regarding extreme threat prisoners
- Health and Disability Commissioner’s Review of the Act and Code
Each submission emphasised Deaf inclusion, equitable access to information, and the right to participate fully in civic life. Across all policy areas, our message remained clear: accessibility is a shared responsibility grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
DPO Coalition
As a founding member of the Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition, Deaf Aotearoa continued to play a substantive role in cross-disability advocacy at the national level. Through this coalition, Deaf perspectives contribute to the Government’s Disability Action Plan and to the monitoring and implementation of the UNCRPD. This work ensures Deaf leadership remains visible and influential in shaping systemic change.
Advocacy Projects
Two key advocacy projects highlighted Deaf Aotearoa’s commitment to practical change:
- Family Violence and Sexual Violence (FVSV): Developing resources and strategies to keep the Deaf community safe, ensuring access to information and culturally appropriate supports.
- Riding for the Disabled: Supporting staff and volunteers to learn NZSL and build confidence communicating with Deaf riders, demonstrating how language access transforms inclusion in everyday community spaces.
Both initiatives reflect our approach to advocacy, grounded in relationships, visibility, and tangible impact.
Looking Ahead
In the coming year, we will continue to strengthen Deaf-led advocacy through collaboration, capacity-building, and visibility in government processes. Our goal remains clear: to ensure Deaf people are not only consulted but genuinely included in shaping the systems and policies that affect our lives.
For more information about our policy and advocacy work please visit our Policy and Advocacy page.
