Deaf Aotearoa applaud NZ On Air funding announcement

Deaf Aotearoa are thrilled with the announcement that NZ On Air will be providing additional funding for captioning on TV One, TV2, TV3 and FOUR. Independent captioning and audio description service Able will receive $400,000 more in the coming year, allowing it to continue to increase its services.

The only provider of free-to-air television access to New Zealand’s Deaf, hard-of-hearing, vision impaired and blind communities, Able’s accessibility options allows these groups have greater access to news and popular TV programmes.

“Increases to Able’s funding will be hugely beneficial to New Zealand’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities,” says Robert Hewison, president of Deaf Aotearoa. “Access to information is the right of all Kiwis, and increasing the quality and reach of the services offered to allow for this is an immensely positive step toward creating a more accessible, inclusive and engaged society.”

“The Deaf community will be really happy to hear this news, and will be pleased to have a wider range of options of captioned programmes. We hope that this announcement will alert more Deaf and hard-of-hearing New Zealanders to the services available.”

Deaf Aotearoa is a Deaf-led, not-for-profit organisation. It’s the only nationwide provider of services to Deaf people, and focuses on promoting awareness of, access to, and advancement of NZSL.

Deaf Aotearoa’s key purpose is to create opportunities that inspire Deaf people to attain their aspirations.

Providing knowledge, information, resources and skills, Deaf Aotearoa strives to equip Deaf people to independently manage their own lives. Deaf Aotearoa works with government agencies, businesses and other organisations to provide information and resources on life for Deaf New Zealanders, the Deaf community, and NZSL. 

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