Lack of sign language national anthem before All Blacks-Lions 'insulting'

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand and NZ Rugby had produced videos showing the anthem being performed in sign language. Photo / Getty Images

The boss of Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand is disappointed videos showing the national anthem being performed in NZ Sign Language aren't being broadcast before All Blacks games.

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Lachlan Keating told the Herald that together with NZ Rugby they had produced videos showing the anthem being performed in sign language, with the understanding these would be used during broadcasts of this year's Lions series.

"We've worked hard with NZ Rugby, they've been great to work with, really productive and really positive. We filmed the national anthem in sign language, we made new films for this year using a young Maori deaf man and a young Maori deaf woman - two separate videos to be alternated each week."

The videos were used on screens at the stadium before the Maori All Blacks game in Rotorua and the two tests between the All Blacks and Lions at Eden Park in Auckland and Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

NZ Sign Language is one of the country's three official languages, alongside Te Reo Maori and English.

Keating said people had told him they were disappointed they weren't able to see the anthem performed in sign language.

"We went to quite considerable effort alongside NZ Rugby to make sure it was filmed appropriately and respectfully for this year and then to have it not eventuate and be on TV is quite disappointing for everybody.

"Our belief is that it was going to be broadcast on TV and at the stadium and unfortunately that hasn't eventuated.

"It's about ensuring access for all New Zealanders."

Keating hadn't heard from NZ Rugby as to why the sign language version of the anthem wasn't shown on TV.

"I'm not sure of the reasons why, I believe there may be some technical reasons at the broadcast end," Keating said.

He said NZ Rugby have been "fantastic to work with".

"They've been fantastic to work with and certainly we've spoken with them about having sign language interpreters for the post-match interviews and presentation of trophies at the next test in Auckland."

Sky spokeswoman Kirsty Way said they broadcast the "live event".

"If signing was done on the field by the singer we would broadcast it."

Deaf rugby fan Chris Sinclair said it was "insulting" that the anthem wasn't broadcast in NZ Sign Language.

"Frankly, its insulting. Our language has equal rights to both English and Maori, and yet is forgotten and ignored in almost every public performance of the national anthem.

"We have the right to stand up as equals and sign the national anthem just the same as hearing individuals can stand up and sing it. To have our request constantly ignored is unbelievably hurtful for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders."

NZ Rugby Lions series general manager Nigel Cass said the signing of the national anthem would "feature again this coming Saturday at the final match of the series".

"New Zealand Rugby has been delighted to work with Deaf Aotearoa to ensure New Zealand's three official languages are reflected in the performance of national anthems at matches during the DHL NZ Lions Series. This has included matches involving the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks."