Seventeen-year-old Callan Waters (Waikato-Tainui) aspires to be a builder and took the first step towards that goal by enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 3) at the start of the year.
For Callan, the sense of apprehensiveness and isolation he felt at the start of the semester has been replaced by acceptance and belonging.
“It was scary at first because I didn’t know anyone. I wasn’t feeling too confident because I was the only deaf person in the class,” Callan explains.
“This made me doubt I could be a builder. But once my classmates got to know me, I began to fit in.”
“We’ve got a bit of banter in the class too with the boys, a real good brotherhood, which has really helped me feel accepted.”
“I think it’s good for others in my class to see that a deaf person can do this and being deaf isn’t a barrier.”
Kaylee Wipani, who shares Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Samoan heritage, hopes the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) will help her realise her dream of working as an actor or in film.
Kaylee’s confidence has grown thanks to the support she’s received at Unitec.
“The students and teachers have been very helpful in supporting me to improve and learn and achieve the goals I want to achieve,” she explains.
Kaylee was born deaf and experienced a lot of barriers and isolation growing up in West Auckland.
“I was the only deaf person and found it hard to socialise with other students. There is a difference between how deaf and hearing people communicate.”
Despite their disabilities, both students have thrived in Unitec’s whānau-based environment.
Our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for students from all backgrounds align with the key messages of New Zealand Sign Language Week, which is being observed across Aotearoa from 5-11 May 2025.
NZSL week is celebrated annually to highlight the importance of sign language as one of the country’s official languages, alongside Te Reo Māori.
It also fosters stronger awareness and connections while encouraging inclusion, respect, and greater accessibility for all New Zealanders, particularly our deaf and hard of hearing communities.
At Unitec, the Access4Success Disability Service based in Te Puna supports a range of ākonga who are Neurodivergent, Disabled or living with mental health conditions, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive.
“We are proud to support diversity and inclusivity at Unitec,” says Emma Hall, Interim Team Leader, Access4Success Disability Service.
“We currently have three ākonga utilising NZ Sign Language interpreters and notetaking support to help them achieve their study goals.
“From their first pōwhiri to the moment they cross the stage at graduation, Access4Success provides interpreting support to ensure an inclusive and empowering learning environment. Through NZSL communication barriers are removed and our ākonga can fulfill their true potential.”
Callan is grateful for the support he’s received from Unitec. “The staff are quite open and willing to support me which has really helped me to adjust and focus on learning.”
Kaylee says eye contact and touch is important when communicating with deaf people.
“In deaf culture, we also use a touch to get attention or flick the light switch on and off. People can also tap their foot on the floor to get our attention because we can feel the vibration.”
Ms Wipani is looking forward to completing her course so she can continue her education and get closer to her dream of being an actor.
“I know there is only a small pool of deaf people in this profession, but I want to work in the film and television industries,” she says.
Reflecting on what NZSL Week means to her, Kaylee says it’s important more New Zealanders learn sign language so deaf people can feel more included.
“I wish all hearing people could communicate with deaf people so we feel more included. There are plenty of resources available to learn sign language.
Resources
Learn NZ Sign Language on this free learning portal. Click here
Get more information about NZ Sign Language Week here
Find out more at Deaf Aotearoa
Go Callan Waters! So proud of you!
Thank you for sharing your amazing story.