Nominations now open for New Zealand Sign Language Awards 2022!
We are excited to introduce a new category – NZSL Local Champion!
This is an opportunity for the nominees to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to promote, maintain and celebrate NZSL in their local region, whether in their town, suburb, community, iwi or a local group such as Deaf Clubs in the last two years (since the last NZSL Awards).
Only individuals who are Deaf or NZSL users can be nominated for this category, not groups. We want nominations from all regions across Aotearoa. One local hero will be selected for each region by a selection panel as with all the other categories. There will be a local event to celebrate the region’s winner, and a special mention at the NZSL Awards Night.
Scroll down to see more information about each of our categories below.
Nominations close 10 April 2022
Nominate your NZSL Heroes here: Online Nomination Form
Alternatively, you can print a nomination form here: Nomination Form – Print
NZSL Award Categories
NZSL Champion: Recognising passion for NZSL as well as outstanding commitment to its successful protection, promotion and preservation.
Youth Champion: A Deaf leader aged between 14 and 24 who motivates others and is a strong advocate for NZSL.
Maori Champion: An individual or organisation promoting NZSL learning among te reo Māori users.
NZSL Local Champion: Recognising an individual’s outstanding contribution to promote, maintain and celebrate NZSL in their local region.
NZSL Accessible Service: Awarded to a service provider that provides exceptional service to those accessing the service using NZSL.
NZSL Employer: A business or organisation that is committed to NZSL and working with Deaf employees and individuals.
NZSL in Health: A healthcare provider or professional who shows commitment to NZSL users and providing access to full communication for Deaf clients.
Interpreter of the Year: Recognising the outstanding efforts of a registered NZSL Interpreter who goes the extra mile to show leadership, passion and professionalism.
NZSL in the Media: An individual or media organisation that demonstrates a commitment to promoting NZSL and Deaf awareness.
NZSL in Schools: Recognising a school that shows commitment to NZSL by promoting it in the curriculum.
NZSL Teaching: Recognising the efforts of an educator who has made an outstanding commitment to teaching NZSL.
NZSL in Early Childhood: Recognising an Early Childhood Education provider that shows commitment to NZSL by promoting it in the curriculum.
NZSL in Arts: An artist or arts initiative that demonstrates a commitment to NZSL accessibility and promotion.
NZSL in Sports: Recognising an outstanding contribution to including and promoting NZSL in the sporting arena.
NZSL in Government Agencies: Recognising a government agency that shows commitment to NZSL-accessibility in its information and/or workplace, and commitment to including the NZSL community in its work.
