By June 2007, 70% of agencies will make publications and public information available in some form of alternative format, eg easy-to-read English, Braille, New Zealand Sign Language clips and captioning – up from 35% in June 2006.

By June 2007, 75% of telephone staff will be familiar with using the New Zealand Relay service – up from 35% in June 2006.

Ministry of Culture and Heritage will be working with NZ On Air and Television New Zealand on their plans for improving deaf people’s access to public broadcasting services.

Ministry of Education is progressing a five-year plan aimed at implementing the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006, which includes a focus on communication and awareness, workforce development and access to learning through New Zealand Sign Language.

Ministry of Health is progressing the health sector plan on the removal of language barriers for deaf people. This includes implementing the Ministry’s Access to New Zealand Sign Language interpreter policy, and working to improve services the Ministry funds via the Deaf Association.

Ministry of Justice is developing and implementing an Interpreters Strategy aimed at enhancing interpreter services.

New Zealand Police are progressing initiatives designed to ensure all Police staff apply the principles of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 in matters relating to the deaf community.

Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner is progressing the Interpreting and Translation project, alongside the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Office for Disability Issues, which is aimed at introducing a national standard in interpreting and translation for all people facing communication barriers.

Office for Disability Issues is leading inter-agency work aimed at implementing New Zealand Sign Language interpreter standards for use in criminal justice settings. The Office is working with the Police and Ministry of Justice in ensuring deaf people have a fair access to the justice system through the availability of professional NZSL interpreters. Another part of this work is looking at the system providing NZSL interpreters.