On this day in 2006 New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) became the 3rd official language in this country.
The purpose of the act that established this was to ensure that the Deaf Community had the same access to government information and services as everybody else. According to the 2013 Census, over 20,000 New Zealanders know NZSL.
Lord,
we pray for all who are deaf or have hearing difficulties.
May we be aware of and sensitive to the particular difficulties that they face.
We pray for all who have special needs that the general community will listen to them and make the changes that will help them negotiate life with greater ease.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
Shop