New Zealand Sign Language Interpreters

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As part of the NCEA Change Programme a project is underway to improve the provision of textual resources that teachers could use to support teaching and learning programmes in language subjects including New Zealand Sign Language.

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The goal of the project is to develop language resources which are relevant to the New Zealand Curriculum and the Aotearoa/New Zealand context, support the principles of the NCEA Change Programme, reflect the direction of the new NCEA assessment materials, are accessible to additional language learners and are engaging for adolescent audiences.

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Tui Tuia is facilitating this project and I have been fortunate to work alongside teachers of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and interpreters in workshops to write the new resources.  

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New Zealand Sign Language(NZSL) is a valued taonga and official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. Providing opportunities for people to learn New Zealand Sign Language as a second language means there can be a wider community of peers for first language users of New Zealand Sign Language.  By learning New Zealand Sign Language, students acquire skills that will enable them to engage with the world around them and become global citizens.

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“NZSL is critical to New Zealand as a whole and part of what makes Aotearoa unique." 

Minister's Foreword - Office for Disability Issues (odi.govt.nz)

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By increasing the numbers of New Zealand Sign Language users, teachers and ākonga can participate in strengthening, revitalising, and protecting New Zealand Sign Language as well as contributing to worldwide linguistic diversity.

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Our New Zealand Sign Language interpreters enable access to and participation for Deaf people by providing professional services which enable communication throughout New Zealand. They are members of their professional body, ensuring a confidential and professional service. They have an in-depth knowledge of the interpreting process and the New Zealand Deaf community.  

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Prior to our text creation workshop the interpreters reviewed the documents, PowerPoint and content so they could be familiar with and best assist on the day. Their support was professional, unobtrusive and thoughtful and it has been a pleasure to learn more about this wonderful professional group supporting the Deaf Community.

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