Strengthening NZSL in Deaf Education: Merge NZ Partners with Ko Taku Reo

We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Ko Taku Reo – Deaf Education New Zealand, where Merge NZ is now a key provider of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) courses for their staff.

Since February 2025, Merge NZ has been running weekly online NZSL learning for all hearing staff, supporting approximately 230 teachers, senior leaders, and support staff on their NZSL journey. Each term, we run 30 courses tailored to staff abilities, ranging from Beginner through to Advanced (Levels 1 - 3). Lessons are supported with “homework” tasks to reinforce learning and encourage practice beyond online classroom.

On average, ten Deaf NZSL teachers are engaged each term to deliver these courses. Their expertise, cultural knowledge, and teaching skills from the heart of this programme. Their hard work is being recognised and valued as a vital long-term investment in the future of Deaf Education.

At Ko Taku Reo, all staff – not just teachers are expected to learn and use NZSL, fostering a workplace culture of inclusivity. This partnership with Merge NZ and our commitment to NZSL learning for all staff is part of a larger goal to strengthen educational pathways for all Deaf and hard of hearing children, so that ākonga can thrive with the full support of the Ko Taku Reo – Deaf Education New Zealand community.

New Zealand Sign Language is a full and rich language; it is a gateway to connection, inclusion, and understanding. For teachers, learning NZSL is essential to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment. It enables them to engage with Deaf and hard of hearing students effectively, foster belonging, and support language development while respecting Deaf identity and culture. For management and support staff, NZSL provides new opportunities for connection and collaboration across the organisation.  

We would like to acknowledge Janine Campbell, Merge NZ’s NZSL for Schools Coordinator, and Ko Taku Reo’s Senior Administrator, Riley Harter, who both have been instrumental in organising and delivering these courses. Their leadership has ensured that NZSL learning is embedded across the organisation - not only for teachers, but also for management and support staff.

Merge NZ looks forward to continuing this partnership with Ko Taku Reo and to seeing the positive impact these NZSL courses will have on Deaf Education across Aotearoa.

🔗 For more information on this partnership, visit Ko Taku Reo https://kotakureodeafeducation.nz/news-mergenz-partnership