NZSL Act consultation

Disabled Persons Assembly NZ -

Consultation has opened on possible changes to the NZSL Act.

The Ministry for Social Development and the Office for Disability Issues (ODI) are talking with the Deaf community to understand their views on some ideas for changing the NZSL Act. They are also interested in feedback from the wider community.

Possible changes:

  • The NZSL Act could be changed to strengthen Deaf community leadership of the maintenance, promotion, and acquisition of NZSL.
  • The NZSL Act can be changed to better align with:
  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons (UNCRPD)
  • the establishment of the NZSL Board in 2015
  • the development of the NZSL Strategy 2018-2023.
  • ODI have also heard that the NZSL Act should address the Government’s responsibilities as a Te Tiriti Waitangi partner, specifically in relation to Turi Māori.


More information on possible changes and how to have your say, including NZSL videos, is available on the ODI webpage NZ Act Consultation 2022

Consultation closes 11 November.