Last Call for NZSL in Action Award Nominations
Nominations close on Saturday, 30 March for entries into Deaf Aotearoa’s 2013 New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) In Action
Awards.
The awards acknowledge the significant contribution made by businesses, organisations, schools and individuals
throughout the country in supporting both NZSL and the New Zealand Deaf community.
The NZSL In Action Award winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel in Wellington on
Saturday, 18 May, as part of New Zealand Sign Language Week (13 – 19 May) celebrations.
Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Lachlan Keating says that through the NZSL In Action Awards, Deaf Aotearoa is able 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.
For further information or to complete a nomination form please visit www.deaf.org.nz or contact nzslawards@deaf.org.nz for an entry form.
Categories are:
Magnet Youth Award - Recognises a young (14-24 years) Deaf or hearing impaired leader who motivates others, has overcome significant
challenges and is a strong advocate for NZSL.
NZSL in Schools Award - Recognises a pre-school/school that has shown commitment to NZSL by promoting NZSL within their curriculum.
NZSL Teaching Award - Recognises the efforts of an educator/teacher who, through commitment and devotion, has made an outstanding contribution
to teaching NZSL to their Deaf and/or hearing students.
Interpreter of the Year Award -Recognises the outstanding efforts of a registered NZSL Interpreter who has gone the extra mile to show leadership,
passion and professionalism.
NZSL Champion Award - Recognises the hard work of a person who has been committed and passionate about protecting, promoting and preserving
NZSL successfully.
NZSL Employer Award - Recognises a NZ business or organisation that has proven success through commitment to NZSL and in working with Deaf
workers or individuals
NZSL Accessible Service Award - Recognises a service provider that has provided exceptional service to NZSL users and shown an outstanding commitment to
the Deaf community (formerly the NZSL Public Service Award).
NZSL in the Media Award - Recognises an individual or media organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to promoting awareness of NZSL and
Deaf Awareness.
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week is run annually by Deaf Aotearoa to promote NZSL as an official language of New
Zealand and raise awareness about the Deaf community. The week includes free Sign Language Taster Classes as well as a
range of national and regional promotions and school-based activities.
Deaf Aotearoa is the national service provider for Deaf people in New Zealand. It works with Deaf communities and
provides information and resources on a range of services. Deaf Aotearoa also works closely with government agencies,
other not-for-profit organisations and the corporate sector to increase awareness of Deaf people’s lives, promote New
Zealand Sign Language and strengthen the rights of Deaf people. Deaf Aotearoa is a Disabled Person’s Organisation and
the New Zealand representative for the World Federation of the Deaf, the international body for Deaf people.
ENDS