Current NZSL Board members

Catherine has a wealth of experience across the Deaf and hearing communities in both paid and voluntary roles, with a history of participation in a range of organisations, including Auckland Deaf Society and early childhood providers for her children. She is currently completing her Masters in Language & Culture at AUT University. Catherine brings a strong knowledge of the challenges children face accessing and learning NZSL, linguistics, language planning and policies.

(Term ends 30 June 2028)

Kim is an active member of the Deaf Community and is currently living in Te Tai Tokerau. He is an advocate for Deaf rights and is passionate about breaking down barriers holding Deaf people back from being able to fully participate in society.

A trip to the United States in 1990 provided Kim with extra motivation to seek out improved access options for the Deaf community in New Zealand. His commitment to ensuring Deaf people are heard and their needs met has seen him made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2019 for services to the Deaf community.

Kim brings extensive governance and administration experience to the Board and is committed to the promotion and maintenance of NZSL.

His favourite saying is:

"Ki te whai mana te reo Pākehā me whai mana anō ō tātou reo ōkawa” – "If it is important to say in English, then it’s important to say it in our official languages."

(Term ends 30 June 2027)

Sarah has worked in the NZSL sector for several years, including working with Deaf people with other impairments, so has an understanding of the diverse needs of the NZSL community.

(Term ends 30 June 2027)

Rosita is an NZSL interpreter and works in the justice sector. She grew up with Deaf whānau and has a good understanding of the Turi Māori (Māori Deaf) community.

(Terms ends 30 June 2027)

Joanne has a broad knowledge of how government operates due to being a public servant. She has been involved in the Deaf community for many years including committee work for different groups.  As a Board member she has a great understanding of issues and barriers the Deaf community face to support NZSL Board decisions.

(Term ends 30 June 2028)

Jaime is hearing and brings both personal and professional experience from the Deaf Community.  With ten years’ experience as a NZSL teacher and now a qualified NZSL interpreter. She previously owned a business that provided NZSL teaching services and demonstrates strong partnership and collaboration with Deaf people/organisations. Jaime has a strong focus and drive to make information and services accessible in NZSL.

(Term ends 30 June 2028)

Rāhera (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Te Patupō, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a Deaf/NZSL creative consultant. She has more than eight years’ experience in arts, government and community work. She brings strong knowledge of accessibility, cultural integrity and bilingual NZSL practice. She also brings lived experience as Turi Māori (Deaf Māori). Rāheara chairs Te Rōpū Kaitiaki and co-chairs Creative New Zealand’s Manga Tipua advisory group of Deaf and disabled artists, policy people and disability rights advocates. 

(Term ends 30 June 2029)

Jo Witko brings broad experience across the Deaf community, health and mental health systems, and central government. She is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and a fluent NZSL user. She has deep connections in the Deaf community and strong knowledge of Deaf culture. Joanne Witko is a registered psychotherapist and works in the public sector. She also brings understanding of government systems and processes. 

(Term ends 30 June 2029)

Thora Huebner brings professional experience and lived experience in Deaf and NZSL communities. Her skills include sign language linguistics, Deaf studies, interpreting, education and the arts. Thora has a Deaf child and is a qualified Deaf interpreter. She has a strong understanding of language, culture, identity and access, and how these things connect. 

(Term ends 30 June 2029)