News & Events

Message directly from Deaf Aotearoa

Kia ora

I am thrilled to share some very exciting news. The Deaf Aotearoa Executive Board has appointed Victoria Manning MNZM as the new Chief Executive of the Deaf Aotearoa Group, and she will start in the role on 7^th December.

Many of you will already know Victoria as a Deaf leader of immense knowledge, experience and wisdom. For more than 30 years she has made a significant contribution to the rights of Deaf people and NZSL, including as a key government advisor on the New Zealand Sign Language Act and as the inaugural Chairperson of the NZSL Board. More recently, Victoria has held senior roles at both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice.

I have had the privilege of working closely with Victoria in several of her roles over the past 15 years or more, including six years as our General Manager – Strategy. I know she will be an outstanding Chief Executive, and I have every confidence that she will lead Deaf Aotearoa forward strongly into a new and exciting phase of development and success for the organisation and for the Deaf community.

I will remain at Deaf Aotearoa until around the end of the year, and will work closely with Victoria to ensure a smooth handover. Thank you for your support and partnership over many years. I know you will give Victoria the same warm welcome and support when she takes over the role fully from January.

Watch the full announcement in NZSL, including a message from Victoria herself.

Deaf Aotearoa