New Ministry for Disabled People first ministry to have a name in three languages
Tuesday, 26 April 2022
The new Ministry for Disabled People will be the first ministry in Aotearoa to have a name in three languages – English, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
Geneva Hakaraia-Tino (Ngāpuhi and Te Aupōuri), a member of the Community Steering Group guiding the establishment of the new ministry, said having three names is “a real testament to how diverse the society in Aotearoa is”.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it is great that the disability community is involved in the process of forming the three names,” she said.
“With the reo name particularly, I believe it is an acknowledgement to tāngata whaikaha (Māori disabled people) and their whanau. I personally feel that tāngata whaikaha Māori are constantly seeking ways to fit into te ao Māori, te ao Pākehā and te ao whaikaha, so it is a great start.”
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Te reo Māori was first recognised as an official language in 1987, while NZSL was made an official language by the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006.
Tāngata whaikaha Māori and Māori leaders would come together to find the pūrākau (stories) that will lead to the reo Māori part of the name.
The NZSL part of the name is being led by the Deaf* community of Aotearoa, through the NZSL Board.
Disabled New Zealanders were now being encouraged to provide feedback and participate in developing the names.
Establishment Governance Group co-chair Gerri Pomeroy said the new ministry’s long-term purpose was to transform how Government serves disabled people and their whānau.
“Hearing from disabled people and making sure their voices have impact is going to be vital in shaping the future. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so please do get involved,” she said.
People can give feedback on the name for the new ministry through AmplifyU – an online platform developed and managed by disabled people for disabled people.
There were other options for people to connect with the mahi, including hui, freepost, an AmplifyU Facebook page and an 0800 number that will be available in the coming weeks.
* The term “Deaf” – with a capital “D” – is used to refer to people who have been deaf all their lives, or since before they started to talk, or who communicate in sign language.