About us

We help men improve their lives. We have an interview with them and talk to them about options to improve their lives.

If a man wants counselling with us, we arrange the best counsellor we have.

How are we Deaf friendly?

Manager can use NZSL.

The Manager, Donald Pettitt (sign name 'singer') worked at Deaf Aotearo for 4 years and can sign.

About us

Canterbury West Coast branch

Support and services we can offer you:

- Supported lifestyles services
- Transition services
- Employment and vocational services
- Supported (independent) living services
- Mobility parking
- Total mobility (taxi vouchers)
- Disability awareness and education
- Community development

The main office is in Christchurch and there are satellite offices in Kaikoura, Rangiora, Ashburton, Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika. We employ over 60 people in full and part-time positions and provide support and services to around 1,000 people and families.

How are we Deaf friendly?

We currently employ 5 Staff who are Deaf/ hearing impaired, we have access to NZSL interpreters if needed and have staff who are currently training in NZSL.

About us

We are a national lobby and advocacy organisation that promotes the issues facing disabled people.

Local branch advocates (DPA Christchurch) are always working to improve access and rights for disabled people in six key areas:-

• Human Rights
• Employment
• Health Services
• Transport
• Education
• Access

Local and national authorities recognise the DPA as the "collective voice" for all people with disabilities and impairements.

How are we Deaf friendly?

We have interpreters at our Committee Meetings and at Forums we organise throughout the year.

We have an easy read version of Civil Defence Booklets for all disabled people including the Deaf.

The DPA supported the Deaf Aotearoa NZ in the introduction of Teletext, Captions on TV and New Zealand Sign Language being recognised as the 3rd official language in New Zealand.

About us

We are New Zealand's largest organsisation working with migrats and refugees. Our volunteers and professional teachers deliever a range of English-language programme in partnership with refugee and migrant learners.

We believe that migrants and refugees should have the opportunity to learn English, to pursue aspirations for themselves and their families, and to participate in all aspects of life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

English Language Partners is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation, registered as a charity with the Charities Commissions (Charities Registration Number: CC25914).

Professional Association
Membership References

Christchurch Resettlement Services; Christchurch Migrant Centre; Christchurch Disability Action; Deaf Aotearoa NZ; Christchurch City Council

Quality Assurance/Accreditation

ELP NZ; Tertiary Education Commission; NZQA

How are we Deaf friendly?

In Christchurch, we have a group of deaf refugee learners who are being taught NZSL by a volunteer teacher.

The group join the Deaf community for regular walks and other activities.

About us

Magnet is an initiative of Deaf Aotearoa for Deaf and hard of hearing youth in New Zealand.



Our purpose is to grow, inspire and develop positive Deaf identify and Leadership. We work closely with other youth and Deaf-related organisations to make mainstream youth programmes more accessible to those with a hearing impairement.

Quality Assurance/Accreditation

Ursula Thyne was on the Vodafone World of Difference Programme in 2013. She received a Local Heros Award in 2014. Magnet is a semi-finalist for Community of the Year for the New Zealander of the Year awards 2014.

How are we Deaf friendly?

Our staff can use both New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and/or spoken English.

We acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi in the work we provide.

We provide a Transition Programme for students in their last year of school.

All staff and volunteers working under Magnet will have completed the Youth Work Qualification or are currently undergoing training.

About us

Deafblind services offer:-

• Advocacy
• co-ordination of services and delivery
• develop social networks
• counselling
• hearing assistive technology
• awareness training to organisations and government agencies
• specialist needs assessment
• organisational networking

Professional Association
Membership References

Royal Foundation of the Blind

Quality Assurance/Accreditation

Deafblind Service Co-ordinators are accredited in Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) and are constantly improving our development using Maintenance of competency (MOC) standards.

How are we Deaf friendly?

Deafblind services support those who are also culturally Deaf and are developing our relationship with Deaf Aotearoa into one of a strong and professional kindred organisation.