New Zealand PM Message for NZSL Week

NZ PM leaves message in NZSL for sign language week

From 6th May-12th May 2019 is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week and will be celebrated with many events throughout the country.

To begin, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern made a video in which she signed. She introduced herself, thanked the deaf community and wished them luck on having another successful Sign Language Week.

They have issued a challenge for other politicians and leaders of the community to release a video where they are using NZSL, to show support for NZSL Week. In just 2 days many have posted videos showing support for the week and for all Deaf people of New Zealand.

The Prime Minister has been a very big supporter of the Deaf Community in New Zealand. Last year for the first time, she started  having an interpreter on stage during all her press conferences and briefings. It all started in 2017. For the final debate for the Prime Ministership, there were two interpreters following along with the live debate. They had to create new Signs for policy words to make sure the proper message was given to the viewers. (PM with NZSL)

The NZSL Week has been happening every year for over 12 years and last year was the first time Ms. Arden participated in it. This created a sense of pride and joy in the Deaf community around the world.

 

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