The NZSL Act 2006!
Supporters at the Parliament at the 2nd Reading
For years, the Deaf Community has lobbied for the official recognition of New Zealand Sign Language as a true and natural language of the Deaf Community. Led by the Office of Disability, the NZSL Bill has made spectacular progress. To become an act, the bill first has to pass through three readings. At the first reading, there were no opposition, and the bill passed. At the second and third reading the only opposition came from the ACT party but the total number of votes still outnumbered the opposition. Over 150 people from the Deaf Community came to Wellington to witness the historic moment in Deaf History and left the parliament cheering - the 3rd Reading of the NZSL Bill passed! A celebration followed at the foyer of the Beehive, hosted by Hon. Ruth Dyson who supported and helped led the Bill into the making. On Monday, April 10, the Governor-General will perform the royal assent by signing the bill, making it an act. It will be known as the NZSL Act 2006.
What does this mean for NZSLTA?
The NZSLTA Executive Committee was proud to converge in Wellington to support the 3rd Reading of the NZSL Bill. The Executive Committee acknowledges this will affect NZSLTA and now we will assume a bigger responsibility and serious commitment to recruit, train, and develop more NZSL teachers and tutors. NZSLTA supports full accessibility for the Deaf and to have this turn into a reality, we are readily to assume the big task of encouraging and expanding the number of teachers and tutors of NZSL to expand more NZSL classes for citizens of New Zealand.
To view live reading of the bill on the internet:
NZSL Bill second reading, 22 June 2004
NZSL Bill second reading, 23 February 2006
NZSL Bill third reading, 6 April 2006
