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The first NZSL strategy responded to concerns NZSL was a language at risk – and it is still at risk
Research in 2017 indicated that while NZSL was becoming more recognised and accepted, the percentage of the Deaf population that were learning and using the language had remained the same. This put the language at risk.
Evidence suggests the situation has not changed. While the number of NZSL users has increased over the 2013, 2018 and 2023 censuses, the number of users still amount to only about 0.5 percent of the population. This means that the percentage of the population using NZSL has stayed the same.
NZSL users cannot always access services and information using NZSL
Deaf people and NZSL users often lack access to NZSL in key areas such as education, healthcare, the justice system, and broader government services.
A 2022 community survey, as well as targeted Board engagements over 2024 indicated Deaf people, particularly children, and their families and whānau face challenges in learning NZSL and using NZSL in everyday interactions. These challenges impact on the wider participation and well-being of the Deaf community. Turi Māori face additional barriers in being fully able to use NZSL to access te ao Māori.
There is also a disconnect between the status of NZSL as an official language, and the actions, behaviours, and practices of government agencies in promoting and using NZSL. The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha undertook a survey of 30 government agencies in 2024. While there were examples of good practice, the survey found NZSL was not well incorporated into many government work areas, and information and services were not always accessible in NZSL.
When NZSL or NZSL interpreters are unavailable, appointments are often cancelled or postponed or Deaf people need to rely on methods like lip reading, writing, or using friends or family to communicate, which can lead to misunderstandings and serious implications, particularly in health and justice settings. Family members acting as interpreters can prevent Deaf people from sharing personal information.
Ensuring NZSL is recognised and embraced by all New Zealanders
The use of NZSL interpreters during significant events, such as the Christchurch earthquakes, the Christchurch terror attack, the Whakaari / White Island eruption, and COVID-19, has built awareness and recognition of NZSL in the hearing community. Initiatives, such as NZSL Week, have also resulted in increased interest and awareness of NZSL. It has also highlighted to the hearing community the important role NZSL plays in the lives of Deaf people and NZSL users.
This strategy’s vision – New Zealand Sign Language – everyone, everywhere, every day – reflects the aim that all people in New Zealand will be aware and accepting of NZSL. But importantly it also reflects the aim for all Deaf people and non-speaking people to be able to access and learn NZSL.
Building recognition and acceptance of NZSL will help NZSL to become embedded in New Zealand culture. This will support Deaf people and NZSL users, help build the Deaf and NZSL workforce, and reduce the barriers faced by Deaf people / NZSL users in workplace, and when seeking information and services in NZSL. It will also support and enable Turi Māori to fully navigate in te ao Māori.
Improving the interpreter system will also support people to train and work as NZSL interpreters, as well as growing the number of trilingual interpreters (interpreters who can confidently interpret in te reo Māori settings), and tactile interpreters in New Zealand. It will also support the growth of interpreters who can confidently interpret in a range of cultural and linguistic settings, such as in and across Pacific settings and communities.
NZSL becoming more acknowledged, recognised, and valued will also mean that more information and services become available in NZSL, and lead to improved NZSL education opportunities for all children / tamariki needing to use NZSL, particularly the Deaf community.
This change cannot be implemented by the Board or the Deaf community alone. For this vision to succeed, change is needed at all levels – across central government and local authorities, across iwi and hapū, and across all of New Zealand.