New Zealand Sign Language Strategy

The New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board is currently consulting on a draft NZSL Strategy 2025-2030 for feedback.

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.

Your feedback on this draft strategy is important.

More information about the consultation process – and how to make your submission external URL - can be found on NZSL Board website.  NZSL translations are available.

Consultation on the draft strategy closes on 2 June 2025.

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