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Sign language dictionary - Source: ONE News
Hundreds of deaf children are now having to teach themselves sign language after the government axed funding for teaching positions.
Sign became one of New Zealand's official languages four years ago and helps over 3,000 children with hearing loss.
But Deaf Aotearoa says there is a massive lack of resources nationwide, with 400 more interpreters and 200 more deaf educators needed.
Four deaf teachers who taught sign to more than 260 children in the lower North Island were made redundant at the end of last year after the funding cut.
It means parents, such as Charmaine Strickland, now struggle to teach their deaf children sign language.
"We had no knowledge of deafness until our son became deaf," says Strickland. "So alongside our son we are learning a new language, (learning) about a new world, about a new culture."
Associate Minister of Education Heather Roy says the government recognises the importance of sign language and is conducting a review of special education.
