NZSL Board seeks feedback on draft NZSL strategy
A draft strategy to increase understanding and acceptance of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) was released today by the NZSL Board.
NZSL is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a first language for many Deaf New Zealanders, it enables Deaf people to achieve access to health, education, employment, and society.
Deaf people, especially Turi Māori (Māori Deaf people), face barriers in accessing services and community spaces using NZSL. This has significant, negative effects on their health and well-being.
Evidence suggests many are not able to access NZSL in situations where it is needed such as in education and health settings, in the criminal justice system, or when dealing with central or local government.
“The draft strategy ‘New Zealand Sign Language everywhere, every day’ sets out the changes needed for Deaf people to participate in society using NZSL. It reflects the Board’s ambition for NZSL to be a language that is used every day, in every context,” said Board Chair Catherine Greenwood.
The strategy proposes raising awareness of NZSL as an official language and to encourage its use by New Zealanders.
“We want all New Zealanders to be able to incorporate a few NZSL phrases, such as good morning or good afternoon, into their everyday vocabulary," she said.
The strategy also aims to ensure Deaf children, Turi Māori, and families/whānau can learn NZSL from an early age, as well as improving education and employment opportunities for Deaf people.
The Board is now seeking feedback on the draft strategy.
More information about the consultation process – and how to make a submission – can be found on the Draft NZSL Strategy 2025 - 2030 webpage.
Feedback can be provided through an online survey external, by email, or by NZSL video.
Consultation on the draft strategy closes on 2 June 2025.
Notes to editors:
- For many people in the Deaf community, NZSL is their first language and for many also their only language.
- Census data shows that while the actual number of people using NZSL has increased they still only amount to 0.5% of the population, which puts the language at risk.
- In 2023 the total number of NZSL users was 24,678. The total number of people able to use Māori, English and NZSL was 1,713.