WFD President Dr Joseph Murray visited New Zealand for a week of meetings, presentations, and community events focused on sign language rights, deaf leadership, and inclusive education.
Organised in collaboration with Deaf Aotearoa, the visit brought together representatives from government ministries, deaf organisations, education providers, and the wider New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) community.
Throughout the week, Dr Murray met with several key institutions and stakeholders, including Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. Discussions focused on sign language policy, inclusive education, accessibility, and the rights of deaf people.
The programme also included meetings with deaf leaders, deaf youth representatives, and organisations supporting deaf children and families. Dr Murray delivered a public lecture at Victoria University of Wellington on the importance of sign language environments and their impact on Deaf communities worldwide.
The visit coincided with celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Dr Murray participated in several community events, including the NZSL Awards held at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where members of the deaf community, public institutions, and partners gathered to celebrate the achievements and continued development of NZSL.
The visit highlighted New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to sign language rights and strengthened international collaboration between the WFD and deaf communities in the region.
