Official Visit by New Governor General

Deaf Aotearoa Christchurch staff recently welcomed the new Governor General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife, Lady Janine Mateparae, to their office.

They were welcomed with a karanga in Te Reo and New Zealand Sign Language, before a short tour that took in the offices of Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, Deaf Aotearoa and Relationship Services offices, which are all housed in the RNZFB building in Bristol St. The visit included afternoon tea, during which the Governor General spoke about his tour of Christchurch’s “red zone” and the resilience of Canterbury people. 

During the visit Sir Jerry took time to discuss Deaf Aotearoa and the Deaf Society of Canterbury’s joint submission for the rebuilding of Christchurch to ensure that it is fully accessible for the Deaf community. Deaf Aotearoa executive board member Kellye Bensley had earlier that day made the submission, which includes clear signage and information, clear visibility around play areas for children and all public events to have NZSL Interpreters.

The previous Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand was Paton of Deaf Aotearoa and Sir Jerry will soon take over this role.  He will also be Patron of RNZFB and Relationship Services.

General Manager - Community Development Lachlan Keating says it was a privilege to meet Their Excellencies at the event.

“It was lovely to spend time chatting with such lovely, humble people.  They are obviously busy people but at the same time so passionate about supporting organisations like Deaf Aotearoa that work at the coalface of the community.”