The New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board has published a new position statement to guide the use of artificial intelligence (AI) with NZSL.
Projects involving NZSL and AI are underway across the public and private sectors and in research institutions. Now is the time to shape this work to strengthen NZSL, support Deaf and Turi Māori leadership, and build trust in how AI is developed and used in Aotearoa New Zealand.
NZSL is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a living language held and used by the Deaf community and Turi Māori, NZSL has cultural, linguistic, community and whakapapa value.
The Board recognises that AI has the potential to:
- improve access to information and services in NZSL
- increase the visibility of the NZSL
- support new ways for Deaf people to access public information and services.
To realise these opportunities AI should be developed with the Deaf community, not simply for the Deaf community. “Nothing about us without us” should guide decisions about how NZSL within AI is used, governed and developed.
Data sovereignty is central to the Board’s position. NZSL data is more than a technical input for AI systems. It is language, culture, community, physical, behavioural and, where relevant, Māori data.
The following expectations support responsible innovation, so AI strengthens NZSL, Deaf participation and community outcomes.
AI should support, not replace, interpreters, translators, NZSL teachers and community-led NZSL services.
Any use of NZSL data must have clear arrangements for consent, governance, access, storage, reuse, withdrawal, deletion, and benefit sharing.
The Board supports work that is led with the Deaf community, protects NZSL and NZSL data, and delivers clear benefits for Deaf people and future generations of NZSL users.
You can read the full statement here.