Seeflow

MMP Review: Proposals Paper

This year, Seeflow gave Deaf people an opportunity to participate in a democratic first! The Electoral Commission undertook a review of the MMP voting system, after NZ people voted to keep the system at the last general election.

The commission used Seeflow to enable Deaf people to submit their opinions directly via the Seeflow NZSL Direct page, where their submissions were translated into written English and passed on to the commission. Submissions from the Deaf community exceeded the national average, and were received from all over NZ.

That feedback has now been analysed by the commission and they have now released a summary of responses and their proposals for any changes.

These are now available to view in NZSL via Seeflow. The commission also invites people to comment on the proposals before a deadline of 7 September 2012, 5:00pm.

Deaf people are again invited to make any comments either in writing or via NZSL through the Seeflow NZSL Direct page on the Seeflow website: www.seeflow.co.nz/direct

Seeflow: enabling the Deaf community to achieve their rights since March 2012!

Green Party access breakthrough

Seeflow has been working on an exciting collaboration with the Green Party, to lead the way in access to public and political information for the Deaf community.

Press release from Mojo Mathers, Green Party MP (May 2012)

Kia ora

 

Marking New Zealand Sign Language Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the six years since New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) became one of our three official languages.

 

We’ve translated parts of our website to provide access to these pages in NZSL. Deaf New Zealanders can now learn more about Green Party policies and values in their first language. We are proud to be the first political party in NZ to ensure this right is respected.

 

A huge number of New Zealand Sign Language activities are happening around the country this week and I encourage you to attend an event to pick up some words in NZSL – you will be pleased you did!”

 

- Mojo Mathers, MP

We at Seeflow are looking forward to further work with the Green Party. Is this another world first for a political party to have their website accessible in their country’s sign language?

– www.greens.org.nz/nzsl

Have a say on MMP in NZSL!

Here at Seeflow we are proud and excited to have worked with the Electoral Commission on an important innovation. For the first time, Deaf New Zealanders can submit their views to the Electoral Commission in New Zealand Sign Language, regarding the MMP Review running now until the end of May 2012.

After the results of last years referendum confirming Mixed Member Proportional as NZ’s preferred voting system, the Electoral Commission is now charged with undertaking a review of the system. As part of this process, they are asking the NZ public to submit their opinions and ideas for how the system can be improved.

Issues include reviewing the thresholds for party votes and electorate votes, dual candidacy, as well as looking ahead to NZ’s changing population and its impact on proportional representation in Parliament.

Via Seeflow, users can directly record their submission into the secure Seeflow website, and our team of experienced and registered NZSL interpreters can translate the submission into English for inclusion in the review.

Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden says “we’re thrilled to now be able to share information and receive submissions from those using NZSL as their first language,” adding “most importantly, this service is free for users.”

We would like to acknowledge the vision and support of Mr Peden, and Anastasia Turnbull at the Electoral Commission for their important role in making this breakthrough a reality for the Deaf Community.

We hope you use this opportunity to exercise your democratic right to give feedback about the electoral system.

Have your say in NZSL at www.seeflow.co.nz/direct

Human Rights Commission

Seeflow would like to again acknowledge the Human Rights Commission for their innovation and vision. Seeflow and the HRC started working together even before our service was officially launched in March of this year. They immediately saw the potential Seeflow has for enabling the Deaf Community to be informed about their rights, be updated about rights related developments, and for having their say in relevant research.

The Commission moved swiftly to ensure Deaf New Zealanders could submit their feedback on ‘The Wider Journey’ project in NZSL, a first for NZ! Since then they have been actively considering other ways we can work together to enable more access for Deaf people. Their commitment and professionalism is truly an inspiration.

The latest innovation is arranging translations of the Manahau HRC newsletter. Fittingly this month’s edition is a focus on NZSL to coincide with the week of celebration. Articles are all available in NZSL, including an editorial from the Disability Commissioner Paul Gibson, an update on NZ’s first Deaf MP Mojo Mathers, and a physically disabled young man committed to climbing Auckland’s Skytower for fundraising. There’s even a wee article on Deafradio!

We look forward to the potential of more collaboration, and will keep you informed.

– Manahau April 2012