NZSL Board sets expectations for how AI is used with sign language

The New Zealand Sign Language Board has published a position statement on using artificial intelligence (AI) with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

The statement responds to concerns in the Deaf and Turi Māori communities (Turi Māori means Deaf Māori) that they may be losing control of their language and how it is developed. Board Chair Catherine Greenwood says AI is already being used with NZSL.

“NZSL is a taonga and an official language, not a product to be extracted, packaged or used without Deaf leadership and community control,” said Greenwood.

Deaf community members, developers, funders, researchers and public agencies now have a clear set of expectations for working with NZSL and NZSL data. These cover how the data is collected, stored, managed and used.

The statement sets out how AI work should involve Deaf and Turi Māori decision-making. It also explains what this means for agencies and organisations working with AI technologies and NZSL.

Greenwood says many in the Deaf community are concerned that without good design, agreed governance and consent, NZSL will be mispresented and access to essential services undermined. Technology is not a substitute for people, language expertise or trusted community relationships, especially in health and justice settings, Greenwood says.

The guidance draws on ‘Te Mana o te Reo Rotarota NZSL and AI Forum’, held in June. The NZSL Board hosted the forum with support from Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People.

Attendees included Deaf community members, Turi Māori, Te Rōpū Kaitiaki (the Māori advisory group to the NZSL Board), NZSL interpreters, public sector agencies, academics and technology providers. The forum was part of the ‘Action Plan May 2026 -June 2027’ to implement the refreshed ‘New Zealand Sign Language Strategy 2026-2036’.

The position statement is available in English and NZSL on the NZSL Board website.