NZSL Sector Landscape Report 2026​

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Strengthening Deaf-Led NZSL Businesses and the Future of NZSL in Aotearoa New Zealand

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The NZSL Sector Landscape Report 2026 provides a national overview of Deaf-led NZSL businesses, the NZSL teaching workforce, student learning needs, and the future development of NZSL across Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Prepared by Merge NZ on behalf of the NZSL Business Network (NBN), this report highlights the growing demand for NZSL learning and the urgent need for stronger investment, workforce development, and coordinated national support systems to sustain NZSL as a living language.

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The report explores:

• the current NZSL business landscape across New Zealand

• key challenges facing Deaf-led NZSL businesses

• workforce pressures affecting NZSL tutors and teachers

• barriers experienced by NZSL students and communities

• the need for NZSL hubs, immersion opportunities, and community practice spaces

• strategic recommendations to strengthen NZSL learning, accessibility, and Deaf leadership nationwide

 

As demand for NZSL courses continues to increase across education, workplaces, government agencies, and communities, the report calls for long-term investment to support:

• NZSL business sustainability

• tutor training and mentoring

• student learning pathways

• regional and rural access to NZSL

• community engagement and public visibility of NZSL

• stronger national coordination across the sector

 

This report is intended for:

• government agencies

• funders and philanthropic organisations

• Deaf organisations

• education providers

• workplaces and businesses

• community leaders and stakeholders interested in supporting the future of NZSL in Aotearoa New Zealand

 

We encourage you to read and download the report to better understand the current NZSL landscape and the opportunities for future growth, collaboration, and investment.

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Together, we can strengthen NZSL, support Deaf leadership, and invest in the long-term sustainability of NZSL businesses, workforce development, and learning opportunities across Aotearoa New Zealand.