Ongoing commitment to the Deaf community saw a number of organisations and individuals honoured in Deaf Aotearoa’s 2011 New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in Action awards.

The annual NZSL in Action Awards are designed to honour organisations and individuals throughout the country who strive to make life easier for the Deaf community.

Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Rachel Noble says the awards are an excellent opportunity for Deaf Aotearoa to thank a wide range of people and organisations that have embraced NZSL and ensured Deaf people are an active part of New Zealand society.

“Throughout the country there are people and organisations that actively seek to support Deaf people and ensure that the Deaf feel a full and active part of society,” says Ms Noble.

“NZSL has been an official language in New Zealand since 2006, however we need to see more action behind the promotion of this unique form of communication.  These awards are a way to acknowledge those who are helping us to achieve this goal.”

The 2011 NZSL in Action award winners were:

Jonny Wilkinson/Tiaho Trust (Whangarei) – NZSL Accessible Award

The NZSL Accessible Award recognises a New Zealand business or organisation that has proven success through their commitment to NZSL and in working with Deaf workers or individuals. This is shown by accessibility of equal opportunities available for Deaf workers or individuals, assisting Deaf workers or individuals with everyday business, including the use of NZSL interpreters and NZSL and the business doing well as a result of support of Deaf workers or individuals.

Mr Wilkinson was a key force behind having NZSL interpreters at this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations.  Working with other like-minded organisations and individuals, Mr Wilkinson lobbied the Waitangi Trust Board to recognise the need of the Deaf community and provide NZSL interpreters available for the first time at this significant celebration. Through his involvement with the Tiaho Trust, Mr Wilkinson has worked with Deaf Aotearoa and the Northland Deaf community to ensure the Trust is Deaf-friendly – providing interpreters, promoting NZSL and making the community aware of the resources available to them.

New Zealand Fire Service – NZSL Public Service Award

The Public Service Award recognises an individual or service provider that has provided exceptional service to NZSL users and has shown an outstanding commitment to the Deaf community.   This can be shown by the use of NZSL and NZSL interpreters, offering special services or products to NZSL clients and a genuine commitment to NZSL users as part of the organisation’s culture.

The NZ Fire Service has actively worked with Deaf Aotearoa to help ensure Deaf community members are informed about how to stay fire safe and what to do in the case of an emergency.  Last year, the Service created a TV commercial in NZSL that played during prime time, this initiative was well received by the Deaf community.

Lee-Ann Rose (Auckland) – NZSL Champion Award

The NZSL Champion Award recognises the hard work of a key person who is committed and passionate with protecting, promoting and preserving NZSL, in an outstanding way through establishing projects.  These projects have helped with the awareness and progress of NZSL in New Zealand, as well as showing leadership and inspiring and motivating other people.

Lee-Ann works as a cook in a busy early childhood centre.  She has taught other staff members NZSL and inspired them to continue learning through Deaf Aotearoa’s classes and other ongoing NZSL education.  She has also taught the children how to sign key words and songs, such as “Happy Birthday”.

Titahi Bay School (Porirua,WGTN)– NZSL In Schools Award

The NZSL in Schools Award recognises a pre-school/school that has proven success through its commitment to NZSL by promoting NZSL within its curriculum.

Titahi Bay School has incorporated NZSL into many of its classroom and school-wide activities, running a lunchtime sign club, signing songs (including the national anthem) during assembly and having special NZSL classes.  The school’s teachers are also invited to sign at lunchtime and during staff meetings.

Kay Hunia (Hastings) – NZSL in Teaching Award

The NZSL Teaching Award recognises the efforts of an educator/teacher who, through commitment and devotion, has made an outstanding contribution to teaching New Zealand Sign Language to their Deaf and/or hearing students.

Kay has been a valuable member of both the local and national Deaf community.  She has taught NZSL for many years to a wide range of students, from children to adults – anyone interested in learning sign.

Jeremy Borland and Evelyn Pateman (Christchurch) – Interpreter of the Year Award

The Interpreter of the Year Award recognises the outstanding efforts of a registered NZSL Interpreter who has shown passion, dedication and professionalism in the area of interpreting.  This includes assisting with the progress of the area of NZSL interpreting in NZ and/or collaborating with the Deaf community to raise awareness of Deaf community issues through interpreting in NZ.

Jeremy and Evelyn become nationally recognised personalities following the Christchurch earthquake.  The pair was instrumental in relaying news and updates to the Deaf community with their work at live media briefings as well as during special events and services after the devastating event.  While the pair had their own worries following the earthquake, they worked tirelessly to ensure that the Deaf community were accounted for and informed. 

Bonnie Ormsby (Waikato) – Maori Signs Champion Award

The Maori Signs Champion Award recognises the hard work of an important person who is committed and passionate about promoting the progress of Maori signs within New Zealand Sign Language.  This is demonstrated by the establishment of projects that have significantly contributed to the awareness and development of Maori signs within New Zealand Sign Language and showing leadership and ambassador qualities within the Maori community that have inspired and motivated other Maori.

Bonnie was a key person involved in a significant project which developed signs for place names within the Waikato region.  Taking a leadership role, Bonnie showed commitment and dedication to the project and assisted with research and education about the project.  The completed work was recorded onto a DVD and made available to Deaf community members throughout the country.

The awards were presented during the Deaf Aotearoa-run New Zealand Sign Language Week (2-8 May), which is designed to celebrate NZSL as well as raise awareness about the Deaf community and the issues/challenges its members face each day.