Minister for Disability Issues, Louise Upston, has announced three new appointments to the New Zealand Sign Language Board.
The three new members of the Board – which works to support the promotion and maintenance of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – are Rāhera Turner, Thora Huebner and Joanne Witko.
Ms Upston said the new members will bring further energy and insight.
“The NZSL Board has an exciting time ahead as the new 10-year NZSL Strategy launched last year is delivered,” said the Minister.
“The Board plays an important role in shaping the future of NZSL. These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening the promotion and maintenance of NZSL.
“I also want to acknowledge Monica Leach, whose term on the NZSL Board ended this year. I thank Monica for her contribution and service.”
Ms Turner is a Deaf/NZSL creative consultant with more than eight years’ experience across the arts, government, and community sectors. She chairs Te Rōpū Kaitiaki and co-chairs Creative New Zealand’s Manga Tipua advisory group of Deaf and disabled artists, policy and disability rights advocates.
Ms Witko, a registered psychotherapist, brings broad experience across the Deaf community, health and mental health systems, and central government. A Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and fluent NZSL user, she has deep connections within the Deaf community and a strong grounding in Deaf culture.
Ms Huebner brings professional and lived experience within Deaf and NZSL communities, including expertise in sign language linguistics, Deaf studies, interpreting, education and the arts.
A New Zealand Sign Language interpretation of this PR is available here.
