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NZSL News

A round-up of news about the NZSL Board, the NZSL Fund, recent Government releases and media coverage of interest to the NZSL community.

In this section

Deaf Education and community cohesion

In recent community engagement meetings, we heard many ideas and concerns raised about access to NZSL for Deaf children. All comments will be gathered and shared by the NZSL Board in conversations with the Minister for Disability Issues and the Ministry of Education.

Waiata in NZSL

There are not many waiata readily available in NZSL, and it can be a challenge for people to translate from te reo Māori into NZSL because it means relying on the English translation, a process where the original meaning can become lost. This was the rationale behind the process of translating the waiata into NZSL by breaking down the waiata from the original version rather than the English.

Calling for Nominations to the NZSL Board 2022

The Minister for Disability Issues is seeking nominations from those who would like to be considered for appointment to the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board. These appointments will be for a three-year term.

NZSL Board principles for engagement with Turi Māori

For Turi Māori, access to te Ao Māori through NZSL and signs for Māori concepts are critical. Access through NZSL is consistent with a range of legislative, regulatory and policy instruments safeguarding and promoting such rights, both implicitly and explicitly, and is a priority item on the NZSL Board’s work programme.

NZSL Fund Round 7 recipients

Thirteen NZSL community projects have been approved for grants from the NZSL Fund, totalling $395,800.20 for the 2020/21 financial year.

NZSL Board Projects 2019

A number of strategic projects have been commisioned to progress the NZSL Strategy 2018 - 2023.

NZSL Round 5 recipients

Twelve more NZSL community projects have been approved for grants from the NZSL Fund, totalling $363,204.23 for the 2018/19 financial year. You can read about the successful recipients here.

NZSL video interpreting service now extended to weekends

The service that allows people using New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) to phone others by using an interpreter will soon be available at weekends, Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Kris Faafoi and Disability Issues Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced on 8 April 2019.

Get Ready Week

Make a plan. Be prepared. An earthquake, or other natural disaster, can strike at any time. Stay Safe, Stay Informed.

Round 8 NZSL community grants

Information and key dates for Round 8 of the NZSL funding, giving anyone in the Deaf or NZSL user community the opportunity to put forward their ideas.

NZSL Youth Project

This project provides a small insight into the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth community across New Zealand, with regards to their acquisition, use and access to New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

NZSL Youth Project full report

This project provides a small insight into the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth community across New Zealand, with regards to their acquisition, use and access to New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

NZSL Community Grants dates for 2023

This is the tenth round that the NZSL Board has run an application process for funding, giving anyone in the Deaf or NZSL user community the opportunity to put forward their project ideas. Check dates for applications in 2023