Merge NZ in the Media
2021
'Very frustrating' - Sign language interpreters in short supply outside NZ's main centres
TV One News (New Zealand - Social Issues) - 12 May 2021
Deaf Kiwis outside of our main centres feel left out and isolated, with a lack of qualified sign language interpreters to call on in their area.
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Merge NZ chief executive Victoria Lessing, who's also Deaf, says she's in touch with a number of those in the Deaf community across the country who feel the same.
"Deaf people have to find a way, through gestures or writing, but really it's very frustrating because they would like to have an interpreter. more..
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2020
A Training Programme for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Tutors
Ako Aotearoa (Knowledge Centre - Project report) - 17 September 2020
A one-year project undertaken by Merge NZ with support from the New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association (NZSLTA), to develop a training programme for tertiary staff to enhance the provision of support services for... more..
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Celebrating NZ Sign Language Week
Westfield Story (Newmarket, Auckland) - 10 May 2020
New Zealand Sign Language week celebrates that New Zealand Sign Language is an official and unique language of New Zealand and is used by New Zealand's Deaf community.
At Westfield Newmarket, we have connected with our community partner Merge NZ who work in NZSL video production, NZSL teaching and more..
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2019
After decades of crusading for NZ's Deaf community, Auckland woman honoured as 'local hero'
TV One News (New Zealand - Social Issues) - 13 February 2019
The New Zealander of the Year will be announced tonight and as part of it, a number of local heroes have been recognised.
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One of them is Aucklander Victoria Lessing, who has been Deaf her whole life and has spent 20 years raising the profile of New Zealand Sign Language. Two years ago, her passion developed into a company called Merge NZ more..
Sign Language courses signing their way to the Bay
SunLive (News online newspaper) - 11 January 2019
Starting in the New Year, Merge NZ is bringing New Zealand Sign Language to the Bay.
Merge NZ is a Deaf lead social enterprise that was established in 2017, with a proportion of their profits being given back to more..
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2018
Course aiming to 'normalise' sign language arriving in Morrinsville
Stuff (Waikato Times online newspaper) - 17 October 2018
A social enterprise hoping to normalise New Zealand Sign Language is running its first course in Morrinsville. Hosted by Merge NZ, the course, taking place from November 5, has been designed for people with no prior knowledge of the language.
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Director Jaime Brown, a former Te Aroha native, is hopeful participants will walk away with the ability to string a couple of new sentences together more..
Ordinary Kiwi women finalists in Women of Influence awards
Stuff (Lifestyle online newspaper) - 29 July 2018
There's a multiple gold medal-winning athlete, a secretary of defence and an acting coach to Hollywood stars among the finalists announced today in the 2018 Women of Influence Awards.
Sophie Pascoe, Helene Quilter and Miranda Harcourt join 83 New Zealanders shortlisted not only for their achievements but their positive influence more..
Spreading the word about Sign Language
Local Matters (Auckland's North Local Newspaper) - 11 June 2018
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Although NZ Sign Language has been one of the country’s three official languages since 2006, it is still a new concept to the general population and many misunderstandings are still prevalent.
That is something that social enterprise NZ Merge was set up… more..
Let's Normalise New Zealand Sign Language
Torbay Newsletter (North Shore, Auckland) - May 2018
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NZ Merge , a locally owned company, is on a misssion to normalise New Zealand Sign language (NZSL). this Deaf-led company is celebrating NZSL Week (7th - 13th May) by teaching NZSL at schools, public libraries, businesses/organisations and community groups.
12 years ago, in 2006, the NZSL Act was passed in New Zealand and NZSL… more..
Sign Language Giving Babies a Head Start
Verve Magazine (Lifestyle magazine, Auckland) - 15 March 2018
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For deaf people, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the form of communication predominantly used. It not only includes hand signals and gestures, but is also made up of extensive facial expressions, body movements, non-manual signals... more..
2017
Deaf entrepreneur recognised for company promoting NZSL
Stuff, Harbour News (North Harbour News, Auckland) - 24 October 2017
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Making sure New Zealand Sign Language is accessible to all is an aim of a north Auckland finalist in this year's Attitude Awards.
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West Harbour resident Victoria Lessing, was announced as one of three finalists in the Attitude Entrepreneur Award category for her business Merge NZ, which… more..
New Zealand Sign Language at Playcentre
Playcentre Journal - July 2017
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Although NZ Sign Language has been one of the country’s three official languages since 2006, it is still a new concept to the general population and many misunderstandings are still prevalent.
That is something that social enterprise NZ Merge was set up… more..
