New Zealand Sign Language Board
Victoria academics appointed to New Zealand Sign Language Board
Two Victoria University of Wellington staff members are among the 10 founding members that have been appointed to the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board this week.
Sara Pivac Alexander, a NZSL lecturer and member of the Victoria University Deaf Studies Research Unit, and Dr Rachel McKee, a Deaf Studies researcher and lecturer at Victoria University with 30 years of involvement in the NZSL community as an interpreter, will both serve on the board.
The NZSL Board has been established to promote and maintain the use of NZSL by ensuring the development and preservation and acquisition of the language; ensuring the rights of Deaf people and NZSL users to use NZSL as outlined in legislation; and providing expert advice to government and the community on NZSL.
“I’m thrilled to be on the board,” says Mrs Pivac Alexander. “I look forward to making a significant contribution to ensure New Zealand Sign Language, one of New Zealand’s official languages, is promoted and maintained efficiently to leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Deaf children.”
"Action on the NZSL Act 2006 has been a long time coming,” says Dr McKee. “The NZSL Board will focus government attention and resources on supporting the NZSL community to proactively promote their language. I'm looking forward to contributing to strategic direction on this."
Members are appointed for three and four year terms.