King Colin: New Zealand Sign Language Bill — In Committee 
King Colin: New Zealand Sign Language Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:630;Page:2169] 
COLIN KING (National—Kaikoura) 
: 
 It is a privilege to stand here and speak about the process that is before the Committee—the New Zealand Sign Language Bill especially Part 2. My only experience with hearing impaired people was in a previous life when I was a shearing instructor. 
Nathan Guy 
: It was a good one too. 
COLIN KING 
: It was a good one and an honest one. It highlighted for me as a teacher or an adult educator how difficult it is to get the messages through to people who are passionate enthusiastic and talented yet have the limitation of being unable to hear. It was a very very useful discipline for me and those people as few as they are who came through the shearing industry and the wool industry remain great friends. They had some great work ethics and there was a lot they could teach us. So when I observe the people in the Chamber today who are benefiting from sign language it makes me feel very humble. My only knowledge about losing capability has to do with age and sight and natural things. Many people are unable to make those choices those adjustments so I am very very humbled by their determination to be acknowledged. Terms that come to my mind are empowerment achievement celebration progress inclusion and understanding. 
It is certainly wonderful to be able to speak to the Committee and support this very important New Zealand Sign Language Bill. Recognition is starting in the area of legal proceedings which is a very appropriate place to start because I could not imagine a situation in the legal system—for example a courtroom—where one would feel less comfortable. I think we want to portray and develop a society where all cultures are safe. Safety is something inherently required by all cultures in a First World economy and a First World society. I am very grateful that we have taken this brave step and I am not too concerned about sign language becoming a growing out-of-control industry. From what I have seen of people who depend immensely on sign language they are genuine honest and sincere and to be represented adequately in a courtroom is a comfort. It would also in the events leading to a circumstance where someone is to appear before a court give that person certainty that he or she will be afforded the same representation as everybody else. That is an underpinning right under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. 
It is interesting to see that there are opportunities within New Zealand for people to develop skills as a signer for those who are hearing impaired. They have got themselves remarkably organised regardless of the impediments that have been put in front of them. Night classes can be found by contacting the New Zealand Sign Tutors Association. I think that is absolutely remarkable. It will certainly meet the needs and aspirations of a large part of New Zealand society that is caring and compassionate so that these people can be supported to be quality contributors to our society. It was interesting to hear from the New Zealand First speaker that there is training opportunity in Otago—that is something valuable I have learnt—because access to training and further qualifications is very important. By doing some research I see that Auckland University of Technology offers a diploma. That is quite fitting because it comes under the point in Part 2 that refers to competency.