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In response, our BiBi (Bilingual-Bicultural) Team is developing an introductory guide for staff, taking bilingual education from philosophy to practice. It reflects a commitment to strengthening bilingual education practices that recognise New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) as central to learning, identity, wellbeing and belonging, while also supporting ākonga to build strong literacy in English and, where appropriate, te reo Māori. Rather than asking whether bilingual education is the right approach, the focus now is on how we ensure it is implemented effectively, consistently, and with integrity.

This work is grounded in the context of Ko Taku Reo – Deaf Education New Zealand and the wider aspirations of deaf education across Aotearoa. It supports our ongoing commitment to building NZSL-rich environments, strengthening educator capability, and ensuring deaf ākonga can thrive linguistically, academically, socially, and culturally.

The guide is not intended as a fixed or final statement. Bilingual deaf education in New Zealand will keep evolving, shaped by new research, ongoing reflection, and the voices of deaf ākonga, whānau, and communities. It will be offered instead as a living guide - a foundation for shared understanding and a tool for ongoing growth.