For more than 45 years, NFDHH has worked alongside Deaf and hard of hearing communities across Aotearoa to improve access, inclusion, and equity. Today, we are pleased to share the next step in that journey.
Introducing Three New NFDHH NZSL Avatars
As part of our partnership with Kara Technologies, we are launching three NZSL avatars. Each avatar represents a different community profile in Aotearoa and has a short introductory message to explain what they can do. Now, we need your insight to help share what comes next.
Step 1: Watch the avatars
Below you will find the three NFDHH avatars. Each video includes a short message introducing their purpose and the technology. Please watch all three before completing the survey.
NZSL Avatar 1
NZSL Avatar 2
NZSL Avatar 3
NZSL Avatar 1
NZSL Avatar 2
NZSL Avatar 3
NZSL Avatar 1
NZSL Avatar 2
NZSL Avatar 3
Step 2: Share Your Feedback
Your feedback is vital. This is your chance to help shape the future of NZSL avatar translation and ensure it truly reflects the needs and preferences of the Deaf community.
These avatars provide instant NZSL access when traditional interpreting is not available due to time, location, or cost barriers. They are not designed to replace NZSL interpreters. Instead, they offer an additional tool to support greater information access — particularly in situations where Deaf people currently face delays or have no NZSL access at all.
The survey asks about:
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Which avatar(s) you like best
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How easy the signing is to understand
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How natural the signing looks
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Where NZSL avatar translation could be most useful
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Ideas for improvements
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Any other thoughts you want us to consider
Why This Matters
Access to NZSL is a fundamental part of participation and wellbeing. NZSL avatars have the potential to:
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Provide immediate NZSL access when an interpreter cannot be booked
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Improve access to public information, services, and emergency alerts
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Support Deaf people in education, health, employment, and daily life
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Reduce barriers caused by location, cost, or timing
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Strengthen NZSL visibility and digital presence nationwide
To make sure this technology evolves in the right direction, we need guidance from the Deaf community.
Why This Matters
Access to NZSL is a fundamental part of participation and wellbeing. NZSL avatars have the potential to:
-
Provide immediate NZSL access when an interpreter cannot be booked
-
Improve access to public information, services, and emergency alerts
-
Support Deaf people in education, health, employment, and daily life
-
Reduce barriers caused by location, cost, or timing
-
Strengthen NZSL visibility and digital presence nationwide
To make sure this technology evolves in the right direction, we need guidance from the Deaf community.
About the NFDHH x Kara Technologies Partnership
NFDHH and Kara Technologies are working together to expand access to NZSL in digital environments. Kara Tech’s avatar platform uses an evolving NZSL dataset to produce signed content with increasing speed and accuracy. Together, we aim to ensure this technology is shaped by, and for, the Deaf community.
This pilot is an early step. Your feedback will help build better tools, improve translation quality, and guide future investment in NZSL access.
TVNZ Breakfast Interview
NFDHH Chief Executive Natasha Gallardo and Kara Technologies CEO Arash Tayebi recently appeared on TVNZ’s Breakfast show to discuss our partnership and the launch of the NZSL Avatar Pilot.
The interview highlights why this technology is being developed, how it is designed to complement — not replace — NZSL interpreters, and why community feedback is essential to guiding its next steps. Their conversation reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring this project remains transparent, community-led, and built with the needs of Deaf New Zealanders at its centre.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to watch the avatars and share your views. Your leadership and insight will help us make sure that future NZSL technology reflects the richness, diversity and needs of Deaf communities across Aotearoa.
If you'd like further information, please contact the NFDHH team at enquiries@nfdh.org.nz
