Message from the Board Chair

Kia ora Koutou

As we come to the end of our first full year as Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education New Zealand I just want to say how very excited the Board is about the future for deaf education in New Zealand. It has been a hectic year for everyone with on-going impact of COVID 19 on education and life in general. We continue to see wonderful ways of interacting virtually that probably would not have happened otherwise! It has raised our awareness of how we can reach learners and their whānau no matter where they are.

This year has seen Ko Taku Reo build on the existing limited NZSL Hub programmes which has included the extension of current NZSL Hub programmes, as well as informal playgroups for pre-schoolers in both Wellington and Dunedin. The board is very excited to see this happening as it cements the idea of pathways for students from early childhood through to life beyond compulsory schooling.

We will be holding our triennial Board elections next year so if you are interested in joining our team please feel free to get in touch with me directly to discuss.

Our Ko Taku Reo Facebook page continues to be a fabulous place to keep up to date with all of the really cool things happening throughout the year. You can see what our learners are up to around New Zealand and I encourage you to check it out.

Finally, have a wonderful Christmas and fabulous holiday break. See you back here in 2022!

Na mihi nui,

Denise Powell
Boardchair