Employment Connections

12/05/2026

Deaf performer Pollyanna Ferguson shares insights on Deaf-led storytelling, performing in Speed is Emotional, and her hopes for accessible, inclusive arts in Aotearoa.

08/05/2026

Award-winning filmmaker Jared Flitcroft (Ngāti Maniapoto) has been awarded the Deaf and Disabled Artists Fellowship 2026 to explore NZSL as a cinematic language.

Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Jared's work spans writing, directing and performance, bringing together te ao Māori, Deaf culture and visual storytelling.

“My kaupapa is to expand what cinema can look and feel like when it is led by Deaf and Māori worldviews rather than shaped by hearing norms.”

Turi Māori filmmaker Jared Flitcroft is the recipient of the Whakahoa Kaitoi Whanaketanga Creative New Zealand Deaf and Disabled Artists Fellowship 2026, presented by Arts Access Aotearoa.

07/05/2026

It's NZSL Week, which is a great time to start learning sign language! 👍📖🎉👋

We love this page which will help you get started with a range of NZSL resources:
https://www.teachsign.org.nz/learners/learning-resources

This section lists a range of NZSL learning resources from various groups, organisations, institutions, and businesses.

05/05/2026

We love this video of Oliver sharing his journey of studying engineering to working with Wētā FX as their Effects Technical Director.

Oliver is also Chairperson of Deaf Aotearoa's Executive Board, and shares his story using NZSL and English subtitles.

05/05/2026

It's the 20th anniversary of NZSL week! We love this list compiled by The D List NZ of free/low cost public events in Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury where you can learn more about Deaf culture and NZSL - whether you’re an absolute beginner or have years of experience 🙌 💖 🎉 🙌

Celebrate New Zealand Sign Language with these events across Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury!

24/03/2026

Benefits and other supports will increase next week from 1st April, find out more here:

On Wednesday 1 April 2026, our benefit, pension and some payment rates will increase due to the Annual General Adjustment.

17/03/2026

We love this story about Mini Woolies making all the difference for Helius!

Mini Woolies is like a little miniature supermarket setup at school. From working the till, to stocking shelves, helping customers and doing their own shops, Mini Woolies gives students a chance to have fun and learn skills that will help set them up for everyday life.

Inside one of six Mini Woolies giving students a chance to have fun and learn skills that will help set them up for everyday life.

16/03/2026

We're excited to hear about this great initiative to help young disabled people get valuable work experience!

There is just ONE WEEK to go until our first annual Open Doors Day! Our next participant highlight on the countdown to Open Doors Day is Amy from Auckland.

Our newest project, Open Doors Day, encourages businesses from across the motu to open their doors to a disabled employee for a day. Because it shouldn't be ODD to see disabled youth in employment!
This allows I.Lead members the opportunity to enter an industry they are interested in, volunteering their time for a day.

For Open Doors Day, Amy is passionate about graphic design. She will spend the day with Benefitz, getting behind-the-scenes knowledge of the design and printed advertising industry.

With a focus on empowering both rangatahi whaikaha and businesses, Open your Doors Day (ODD) will be an annual initiative, proving that hiring disabled people does not have to be scary or odd. Keep an eye on our socials to see the results of our first annual Open Doors Day!

15/03/2026

Got an idea that could improve accessibility for disabled people? Time to get writing your application for the Access Activator programme, and get funding to make it happen!

Applications close Sunday 29th March - more information here:

Whaikaha, in collaboration with Creative HQ, is piloting Access Activator to find, fund and grow accessibility solutions from across New Zealand. 

15/03/2026

🌟Are you passionate about ending ableism & growing disability culture? 🌟

The D List NZ are looking for 3 passionate and committed individuals to join their Trustee Board & help shape their future 🤩

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 3rd April, find out more here:

Tēnā koutou katoa! Are you passionate about ending ableism, growing disability culture, and shaping the future of The D*List? We are looking for passionate and committed individuals to join our Trustee Board.