Miss-Delectable
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- Apr 18, 2004
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Scoop: A Celebration Week for the Deaf Community and NZ
This week marks the 3rd anniversary of NZ Sign Language becoming New Zealand’s third official language.
“It is hugely beneficial to the New Zealand Deaf community, and in fact all New Zealanders, to have the language officially recognised,” says Lynne Pillay, Labour Spokesperson on Disability Issues.
“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Disability Issues Ruth Dyson was a staunch advocate for the Deaf community, as it was under her watch that sign language became an official language.
“Three years on from this world leading legislation to recognise New Zealand Sign Language, the awareness around the Deaf community has grown in leaps and bounds.
“There is still work to be done, and we can all play a part in that, but this week is a fitting acknowledgment and celebration of the hard work and dedication of so many people,” says Ms Pillay.
“Deaf Aotearoa is doing amazing work and I applaud all their efforts. Tribute must also be paid to the myriad of people and community organisations who work so hard to make it happen.
“I am proud that Waitakere Police are also playing their part.
“I recently met with Debi Leahy, the new Henderson Community Constable, who followed her passion and learned sign language. She now dedicates 20% of her time to working with the deaf community, and I congratulate Debi for her dedication,” says Ms Pillay.
This week marks the 3rd anniversary of NZ Sign Language becoming New Zealand’s third official language.
“It is hugely beneficial to the New Zealand Deaf community, and in fact all New Zealanders, to have the language officially recognised,” says Lynne Pillay, Labour Spokesperson on Disability Issues.
“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Disability Issues Ruth Dyson was a staunch advocate for the Deaf community, as it was under her watch that sign language became an official language.
“Three years on from this world leading legislation to recognise New Zealand Sign Language, the awareness around the Deaf community has grown in leaps and bounds.
“There is still work to be done, and we can all play a part in that, but this week is a fitting acknowledgment and celebration of the hard work and dedication of so many people,” says Ms Pillay.
“Deaf Aotearoa is doing amazing work and I applaud all their efforts. Tribute must also be paid to the myriad of people and community organisations who work so hard to make it happen.
“I am proud that Waitakere Police are also playing their part.
“I recently met with Debi Leahy, the new Henderson Community Constable, who followed her passion and learned sign language. She now dedicates 20% of her time to working with the deaf community, and I congratulate Debi for her dedication,” says Ms Pillay.