Peachey Allan: New Zealand Sign Language Bill — In Committee 
Peachey Allan: New Zealand Sign Language Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:630;Page:2170] 
ALLAN PEACHEY (National—Tamaki) 
: 
 I appreciate the opportunity to speak to Part 2 of the New Zealand Sign Language Bill. Clause 6 declares that New Zealand Sign Language is to be an official language of New Zealand. I took a little bit of convincing about that. During 16 years as a school principal I very strongly advocated the teaching of languages. I believe that as New Zealanders we do not put sufficiently high value on our young people learning more than their first language. Many of our young people suffer a disadvantage when compared with youngsters from other parts of the world in this respect. I took a moment to review modern linguistic research and writing and I am now convinced that sign language is indeed a real language and is worthy of respect. 
Clause 7 provides for the use of sign language in legal proceedings. In most cases I have no difficulty agreeing with the reservations expressed by my colleague Mr Connell about that issue. However I am one of those people who believe that when it comes to the judicial system the stakes are very high when one is appearing in court and we must get it right—for every New Zealander. We should make whatever effort we need to in order to ensure that that happens. 
A group of New Zealanders will benefit from this law. They will benefit from having their own unique language recognised as an official language. They will have better access to the legal system the health system and the education system as a result of this bill. 
I come back to those parents grandparents and other family members who are learning or who have learnt New Zealand Sign Language in order to assist one of their children grandchildren brothers sisters nieces or nephews. In effect those people are learning a second language. It must be a great affirmation and reassurance to them to know that this Parliament is giving the first language of their children official recognition. For a child who is born deaf and who learns to sign sign language is that child’s first language. I commend all those parents grandparents uncles aunts brothers sisters and sometimes friends who make the effort to learn that second language in order to support their fellow New Zealanders. 
People who are deaf need deserve and are entitled to the same protection from any misunderstanding or unfair treatment in our legal system health system and education system that might result from a lack of communication or a lack of understanding. Anything we can do to reduce that risk for a group of New Zealanders—and we should remember that 7000 Deaf New Zealanders use sign language—is worth doing. 
Clause 8 deals with the effect of recognising New Zealand Sign Language. Clause 9 lays down the principles that Government departments should be guided by in giving effect to the objectives of the bill. The Deaf community is to be consulted on all matters relating to New Zealand Sign Language. That is appropriate and that is how it should be. New Zealand Sign Language is to be used to provide information and to promote Government services and—most important I think—Government services and information are to be accessible to the Deaf community. 
Clause 10 authorises the Minister to report on progress. I particularly commend the Justice and Electoral Committee for its insertion of a new clause 10A into the bill which provides for a review of the operation of this legislation 3 years from the date of its commencement. Like many members of the House and I am sure now many New Zealanders I take a lot of comfort from the knowledge that when that review occurs—