"EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERY DAY"

As the key provider for the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme, The Hearing House is committed to partnering with stakeholders, supporting the strategy, and empowering our kiritaki to make informed choices about their communication pathways – including NZSL, spoken language, or both.

This was reflected in the NZSL Board’s 10-year strategy, titled New Zealand Sign Language – everyone, everywhere, every day, launched at Parliament by the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Louise Upston. The strategy aims to increase NZSL's visibility and integration into daily life for all New Zealanders and specifically references people with cochlear implants who may want to develop fluency in NZSL and their Deaf identity.

The refreshed strategy highlights 2026 as a pivotal moment for renewed visibility and strengthened partnerships as NZSL celebrates its 20th year as an official language in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Looking ahead to this milestone year, we recognise both the progress made and the mahi still required to realise the vision of a truly inclusive Aotearoa. In 2026 and beyond, we remain committed to ensuring that NZSL, Deaf identity, technology and community aspirations sit alongside each other — supporting every person to flourish in the communication pathway that is right for them.

Top right: THH CEO Claire Green and Hon Louise Upston (Minister for Disability Issues); bottom right: NZSL Board members Kim Robinson, Catherine Greenwood (Board Chair), Joanne Becker, Jaime Brown, and Sarah Mason

Check out some insights by Hon Louise Upston: