Patrick Thompson appears on the ‘Marae’ programme, with trilingual interpreter Stephanie Awheto, where he is asked to expand on the wānanga recently set up for Māori Deaf. He explains there was a need for this, to support Māori Deaf to discover their identity, and learn about Māori culture as this was not accessible to them previously. The learning is so powerful he likens it to being “born again”. From the wānanga Māori Deaf gained confidence to stand up on the marae and mihi.
Patrick explains that, for Māori Deaf to continue to be able to access tikanga, Te Reo Māori, more trilingual interpreters are needed. NZSL classes have been set up for Māori speakers, on the Marae with the hope that more will become trilingual interpreters. Patrick concludes the interview with his dreams of a more accessible society for Māori Deaf, as well as more specific services for them.
