New Zealand Parliament to celebrate Sign Language week

The New Zealand Parliament is undertaking a range of activities to mark New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week, which is taking place from 12 to 18 May.

Each May, Deaf Aotearoa organises NZSL week to promote sign language and raise awareness about New Zealand’s Deaf community and they issues they face.

Speaker Rt Hon David Carter said it is important that the New Zealand Parliament recognises and celebrates one of New Zealand’s official languages.

On Tuesday 13 May and Wednesday 14 May, an interpretation of Question Time will be provided in NZSL. Viewers of Parliament TV will be able to see the interpretation as an inset in the corner of the screen and anyone visiting the Debating Chamber will be able to view the Sign Language interpreters on screens in the Chamber.

Tours of Parliament with a Sign Language interpreter will also be available throughout May giving users of NZSL the opportunity to discover our buildings, see what happens when the House sits and learn about New Zealand’s democratic processes.

“We want Parliament to be accessible to all members of the public and I welcome the opportunity for enhanced engagement with our Deaf community,” said Speaker Rt Hon David Carter.

Tours with a Sign Language interpreter will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday 13 May 12.15pm – 1.45pm (can be combined with a visit to the public gallery)

Wednesday 14 May – 12.15pm – 1.45pm (can be combined with a visit to the public gallery)

Saturday May 17 9.45am – 11.00am

Wednesday 21 May 9.45am – 11.00am

Saturday 24 May 9.45am – 11.00am

Wednesday 28 May 9.45am – 11.00am

Saturday 31 May 9.45am – 11.00am

Bookings for Parliament tours can be made via email tour.desk@parliament.govt.nz

ENDS

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