Expressions of interest for the NZSL Board 2026

Whaikaha – The Ministry of Disabled People is calling for expressions of interest to be a member of the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board.

The call is made on behalf of the Minister for Disability Issues. Appointments are for terms up to 3 years.

Nominations open: Monday 23 March 2026

Nominations close: Sunday 19 April 2026

What's on this page

What the board does

The NZSL Board works to advance the NZSL Strategy 2026-2036. The aim of the strategy is to make NZSL a strong and vibrant language recognised and embraced by all New Zealanders.

The board has responsibilities across leadership, advice, strategy, co-ordination and monitoring of NZSL. It also assists the Government to meet its commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its obligations under the New Zealand Sign Language Act.

To be appointed to the board you must be fluent in NZSL. The majority of board members must be Deaf NZSL users and represent the diversity of the Deaf community and NZSL users.

Before you make an expression of interest

Read the NZSL Board member role description.
Read the Terms of Reference for the NZSL Board.
People applying to be on the board:

must demonstrate the skills and attributes needed to be board member
must understand the views of, and be able to communicate with, the NZSL community
cannot be a public servant working on issues relating to NZSL.

What board members are paid

Members are paid for each day, and pro-rata for a half day, for attending NZSL Board meetings and for work they do resulting from their membership of the board.

Payment is in accordance with the Cabinet fees framework.

Make an expression of interest

Please include the following documents to complete an expression of interest.

A cover letter explaining your relevant skills and experience.
A 3 minute video introducing yourself and describing issues affecting the promotion and maintenance of NZSL.
A completed Expression of Interest form.
A completed Cabinet Committee Curriculum Vitae.
A completed Declaration Form.
A completed Police Vetting ID.

Send the documents and video by email (Word document and video link) to nzsl@whaikaha.govt.nz

More information about the NZSL Board is on About the NZSL Board external.