New 10-Year Strategy Aims to Make NZ Sign Language Visible in Daily Life

The strategy was designed by the NZSL Board in partnership with its Turi Māori advisory group, Te Rōpū Kaitiaki, ensuring that both Deaf and Māori Deaf perspectives shaped its direction.

New Zealand has taken a major step toward strengthening the status and everyday use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) with the release of a new 10-year national strategy. The NZSL Strategy 2026–2036, launched by Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston, outlines an ambitious vision: for NZSL to be recognised, valued, and used across government, business, education, media, and communities nationwide.

Upston says the strategy is urgently needed to address the persistent barriers faced by Deaf people and NZSL users. “Increasing everyday use and fluency will improve access to services and lead to better outcomes for Deaf people and NZSL users,” she said. Many Deaf New Zealanders still struggle to engage with public services or participate fully in community life due to inconsistent NZSL access, inadequate translation services, and limited public awareness.

Guided by the Deaf Community and Māori Deaf Leaders

The strategy was designed by the NZSL Board in partnership with its Turi Māori advisory group, Te Rōpū Kaitiaki, ensuring that both Deaf and Māori Deaf perspectives shaped its direction. Upston acknowledged the years of dedication behind the work. “The board is responsible for the maintenance and promotion of NZSL, and I want to acknowledge its hard work over many years,” she said.

Nationwide consultation also played a crucial role, drawing input from Deaf organisations, schools, families, interpreters, and community groups. Upston emphasised that this feedback ensures the strategy supports real needs and strengthens NZSL’s place in New Zealand society.

Strengthening Everyday Use of NZSL

A major aim of the strategy is to integrate NZSL into everyday life—across public spaces, workplaces, digital platforms, cultural events, and community settings. This involves:

• Expanding NZSL visibility through media stories, public campaigns, and celebrations such as NZSL Week

• Promoting role models from the Deaf community

• Marking key anniversaries of NZSL being recognised as an official language, including the 20th, 25th, and 30th milestones

• Encouraging more people—parents, teachers, public servants, business owners—to learn and use basic NZSL

“Our shared vision should be clear: New Zealand Sign Language – everyone, everywhere, every day,” Upston said.

Two Core Strategic Approaches

The NZSL Strategy 2026–2036 is built around two central priorities:

1. Supporting Deaf people and NZSL users to learn and use NZSL

This includes strengthening NZSL learning in early childhood and at home. The strategy notes that most deaf children are born into hearing families, meaning access to NZSL from infancy is not guaranteed. Supporting families and caregivers to learn NZSL early in a child’s development is considered critical.

Expanded NZSL resources, improved access to interpreters, and stronger educational pathways are key components of this approach.

2. Ensuring non-signers understand and accept NZSL

Many of the barriers facing NZSL users stem from low public understanding and limited NZSL availability in essential services. The strategy aims to change this by increasing NZSL visibility in daily life, reducing stigma or frustration for signers, and ensuring that public agencies know how to provide accessible support.

A Milestone for Inclusion and Accessibility

The new strategy is a significant milestone as New Zealand continues to position itself as a global leader in inclusive language policy. NZSL was recognised as an official language in 2006, and the next decade presents an opportunity to deepen its integration into daily life, strengthen intergenerational transmission, and improve public engagement with Deaf culture.

Upston reiterated that creating lasting change will require nationwide participation. “Everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, public servant, or business owner, you can help to energise and integrate NZSL.”

An NZSL version of the Minister’s announcement is available on the official NZSL website.