The NZSL Board supports community initiatives to maintain and promote NZSL through an annual grants process.
The board considers applications against the grant criteria and board priorities.
Six projects totalling more than $175,000 were approved in 2023
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Successful projects
A Māori legend story told in VR360: JPF Films Limited - $20,000
By providing an immersive and engaging way for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to access and enjoy an avatar character in VR360 telling the Māori legend in NZSL.
Changing Minds in the Deaf Community: Changing Minds Trust - $50,000
A series of NZSL videos to break down the stigma around mental health and promote more open and inclusive conversations about this important issue.
Auckland Deaf Society Digitisation Project: Auckland Deaf Society Incorporated - $50,000
Auckland Deaf Society has a wealth of historical and cultural materials of significance dating back to 1937. These records will be digitised, and new NZSL video resources made to share the club’s history as a Deaf space.
Theatre Workshops: Merge NZ - $16,100
The Deaf Community, including Deaf students will have the opportunity to learn new skills i.e. songs in NZSL, Visual Vernacular, Miming, Poetry, and Storytelling - to grow confidence and a better understanding of Arts in Deaf Culture.
NZ Sign Language Classes Subsidy Fund: Deaf Children New Zealand - $20,000
This will provide an opportunity supporting Deaf kiwi kids and their whanau to learn NZSL.
Wellington NZSL Youth Development Programme 2023/2024: Wellington Deaf Society - $19,141
It will bring Deaf youth and other NZSL youth together from across Wellington in social and skill building events/activities to develop NZSL skills, competency, and confidence amongst Deaf and hearing youth.