Removing official language barriers to Elections & Deaf Action NZ

On 9th May 2018, Deaf Action presented a petition to the House of Representatives requesting  the House guarantee the right of Deaf or Hard of Hearing voters and candidates to barrier-free elections by 2020 by updating the Electoral Act 1993 and any relevant legislation, including making available NZSL Interpreters for electioneering; making available funding for captioning on multimedia platforms; making available access to new technology (video interpreter services) at polling booths; making available funding for NZSL Interpreters and communication supports for Deaf or Hard of Hearing members to fully participate in their choice of party or group annually.

The Justice Select Committee reported back on the petition

One of Deaf Actions advocacy resulted in a trial of using NZ Video Interpreting Services in 5 voting places.