For the first time ever, the New Zealand Deaf community were fully included in Waitangi Day celebrations at Waitangi. Alana Best, our Whangarei Community Relations Officer went along to witness this great occasion...

It was still dark, but warm when everyone gathered for the 5am dawn Karakia in front of Te Whare Runanga, for the start of the 171st Waitangi Day Festival. I was excited as it was the first time I would have trilingual interpreters standing in front and translating both languages into New Zealand Sign Language therefore not missing any part of speeches. I could tell when it was Te Reo (Maori) or English because the trilingual interpreters used Maori signs for Te Reo.

NZSL interpreters covered the Church services too and other activities. This made it easy for me to keep a pulse on what was happening. The hearing audiences were also appreciating the NZSL interpreters and were very interested in watching the Interpreterssign and happy to know that Deaf people who use sign language wouldn’t miss out in future Waitangi Days.

It was a pleasant but very hot day for mingling with the crowd, having tasty food, looking at all the stalls and watching the Waka Ama. I had the chance to meet the General Governor and his wife, they were happy to hear and see in person that the NZSL interpreters were there. My lovely day ended with the 21-Gun Salute fired from HMNZS Te Kaha and the marching of the navy.

NZSL Interpreters were provided by Waitangi Trust Board for the day. Well done and a huge thanks to Waitangi Trust Board for stepping up. A big thank to Tiaho Trust, Whangarei and Northland Parentsof Deaf Children Inc for partnership in lobbying for NZSL interpreters for this historical day.

Mauri ora! Kia ora!