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It gives me great pleasure to release this NZSL Strategy. This strategy reflects the Board’s ambitions for NZSL. We want NZSL to be a strong and vibrant language that is recognised and embraced by all New Zealanders. We want NZSL to be a living language that supports and improves the lives of Deaf people, Turi Māori, and hard of hearing people. We also want NZSL to enrich and enhance the lives of non-speaking people who use NZSL.
This strategy is the culmination of research and information collected through engagement with the Deaf community over recent years. It also reflects the insights generously shared by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori – the Māori Language Commission on its experiences growing the use of te reo Māori. Most of all, this strategy reflects you, your participation in research over the last few years, and your input and insights during the public consultation. Thank you. With your continued support, the Board can lift the understanding, acceptance, and value of NZSL in New Zealand so that it is truly valued and recognised as the taonga that it is.
Finally, I want to acknowledge current and recent past members of the Board for their work in developing the strategy. I also want to acknowledge current and recent past members of Te Rōpū Kaitiaki for their support and advice to the Board.
Catherine Greenwood
Chair, NZSL Board
Members of the NZSL Board: front (left to right) Joanne Beckers, Monica Leach. Back row (left to right) Erica Dawson, Jaime Brown, Catherine Greenwood, Sarah Mason, Kim Robinson