New Zealand Sign Language Strategy

NZSL is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. As the first language to many Deaf New Zealanders, it enables Deaf people to live their lives to the fullest of their potential.

However, Deaf people, especially Turi Māori (Māori Deaf people), face barriers in seeking to access services and community spaces using NZSL. This has significant and negative impacts on their health and well-being.

The refreshed NZSL Strategy will support the Board by guiding its work priorities over the next five years. The strategy also guides the Board’s decisions on what to fund, including Community Grants and contracts.

Consultation on the draft strategy closed on 2 June 2025. The Board thanks all who participated in the consultation process as your feedback will help the strategy to be refined and improved. 

The Board will now consider the feedback on the strategy before releasing a final version. 

More information about the consultation process external URL can be found on NZSL Board website.  NZSL translations are available.

The current New Zealand Sign Language Strategy 2018-2023 external URL can also be found on the NZSL Board website. NZSL translations are available.