06/05/2026
Communication is the Foundation of Community
As we mark two decades since the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006, I’m reflecting on what "official recognition" really looks like in practice.
For me, it looks like NZSL being made available from a young age to everyone—not just as a "specialist" tool, but as a standard way for Kiwis to connect. In many other countries, it’s completely normal for children to learn multiple languages from the time they start school. Here in Aotearoa, we have a unique opportunity to do the same with our own official languages.
We often overlook that NZSL and Te Reo Māori are our only two legally official languages. While we have seen the beautiful growth of Te Reo in our daily lives, it is time for NZSL to have that same presence and accessibility for all.
I’ve been on my own journey learning NZSL and have reached an intermediate level. While I’m definitely not fluent yet, it’s a good start and has already changed how I think about connection.
It was a privilege to speak with 1News about why we need more options for people to learn and use this beautiful language. Inclusion starts with the ability to talk to one another, and that is a basic right that should be available to everyone from the very beginning. 🤟✨
Read the full story below
https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/05/07/deaf-community-marks-two-decades-since-official-nzsl-recognition/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRoib1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEern5Q5R_E-Xm7QsID5Yt9gy-pyBlV0I0WRhV0-J1V29-LvPKz3Q9ZC37vH-Y_aem_PGi4SbGvDN_uo5DjukTGsQ
The New Zealand Sign Language Act came into force in 2006, officially recognising and including Deaf Kiwis.
