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About This Directory

The Deaf-Link Regional Directory contains the names and basic information about all participants in good standing. It is primarily designed to:

  • link users to local Deaf related organisations within New Zealand. For national and international links please refer to our links page.

Please Note:
Deaf-Link can not accept responsibility for the actions of any of the agencies or individuals listed nor any information displayed on their behalf on this site.

If you would like to be included in this directory, please email subscribe@deaflink.co.nz



Guidelines on Booking Interpreting Services

Consumers deserve the most skilled interpreter available; they may also have a preference on the interpreter hired.

Be prepared to give the interpreter the following information:

  • The date, time and location of assignment
  • The Deaf person's name
  • The name of the contact person and a phone number
  • The Deaf person's preference for NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) or English-like signing (if known)

  • The setting (job interview, counselling session, meeting, technical presentation, etc.)

  • The length of time the interpreter will have to work

  • Procedure and address for submitting the invoice.

If you are in doubt about the level of qualification of the person who is going to provide the interpreting service - ask them to explain it to you.

SLIANZ and NZSTI have a Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct which their members and those registered with them are expected to follow.


Guidelines on How to work with an Interpreter

  • Since the "Human Rights Act 1993", many businesses and organisations are mandated to provide equal access for Deaf people. This may mean hiring qualified sign language interpreters.
  • People who have taken sign language courses or who have Deaf friends and family members are not a substitute for professional interpreters. Please hire professionals.
  • When using a sign language interpreter, speak at your normal rate directly to the Deaf person.

  • Try not to say anything in the interpreter's presence that you do not wish to have interpreted as interpreters are ethically bound to interpret everything that is said, and they will voice everything that is signed.

  • Whenever possible, meet with the interpreter for a few moments prior to the assignment to discuss the nature and logistics of the interaction. If there is any printed material (agendas, specific information, etc.), which can be made available to the interpreter in advance, please do so.

  • Be sure that the interpreter and Deaf participants are situated in such a way that both the interpreter and the speaker can be viewed simultaneously. Be sure that the lighting is sufficient for ease of viewing the interpreter.


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An Introduction to New Zealand Sign Language

Many people mistakenly believe that New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is English conveyed through signs. Some think that it is a manual code for English, that it can express only concrete information, or that there is one universal sign language used by Deaf people around the world.

Linguistic research demonstrates, however, that NZSL is comparable in complexity and expressiveness to spoken languages. It is not a form of English. It has its own distinct grammatical structure, which must be mastered in the same way as the grammar of any other language. NZSL differs from spoken languages in that it is visual rather than auditory and is composed of precise handshapes & orientation, facial expression and movement, all of which is located within a signing space. NZSL has a topic-comment syntax, while English uses Subject-Object-Verb. In fact, in terms of syntax, NZSL shares more with spoken Japanese than it does with English.

NZSL is capable of conveying subtle, complex, and abstract ideas including discussions about philosophy, literature, or politics as well as football, cars or income taxes. Sign Language can express poetry as poignantly as can any spoken language and can communicate humour, wit, and satire just as bitingly. As in other languages, new vocabulary items are constantly being introduced in response to cultural and technological change.

NZSL is not universal. Just as hearing people in different countries speak different languages, so do Deaf people around the world sign different languages. Deaf people in Mexico use a different sign language from that used in New Zealand. Because of historical circumstances, contemporary NZSL is more like British Sign Language than like American Sign Language.

NZSL is a daughter language of British Sign Language (BSL), brought to Aotearoa (New Zealand) by Deaf immigrants from the United Kingdom in the mid-1800's. Traditionally, the language has been passed from one generation to the next in the residential school environment, especially through dormitory life. Even during the time that signing was not permitted in the classroom, Deaf children and Deaf parents, would secretly pass on the language to other students.

Since the late 1800's, Deaf people have been discouraged from using NZSL. Many well-meaning but misguided educators, believing that the only way for deaf people to fit into the hearing world is through speech and lipreading, have insisted that deaf children try to learn to speak English. Some have even gone so far as to tie the hands of deaf children to prevent them from signing. Despite these and other attempts to discourage the use of NZ Sign Language, it continues to be the preferred language of the Deaf community. Deaf people of Aotearoa regard NZSL as their natural language which reflects their cultural values and keeps their traditions and heritage alive.

Sign Languages have been recognised as Official Languages in some countries and although the NZ Government has not yet recognised NZSL as an 'Official Language' in New Zealand there has been recognition in some areas of New Zealand Law.


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