Our People
The NZSLTA Executive Board is elected by the NZSLTA members at the BGM (every two years). The NZSLTA Executive Board meets regularly to discuss matters related to the management of NZSLTA.
NZSLTA Executive Board for 2022-2024
President - Candice David
Responsibilities: Finances and Conference
Qualification: Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL.
Teaching experience: Over 5 years of experience teaching NZSL in various settings: community education, hospitals, businesses/workplaces, and school & kindergartens. And provide NZSL courses for Deaf Aotearoa.
Vice President - Kirsten Morgan
Responsibilities: Website and Membership
Qualifications: Diploma of Computer Graphic Design, Diploma of Website Design and Diploma of Internet Technology. Partial completion of Certificate in Deaf Studies (DEAF801-803).
Teaching experience: No teaching experience but supporting NZSLTA and TeachSign. Over 20 years of experience as a Freelance Front-end Web Developer for SUTHERLANDesign.
Executive Committee - Mike Alley
Responsibilities: Central rep, Constitution and SGM / BGM
Qualifications: Science Degree. BFOR.SC. Teaching Diploma (Primary). Post Grad Teacher of the Deaf.
Teaching experience: 14 years with Van Asch Deaf Education Centre, including Parent Workshops in NZSL, High School NCEA NZSL; Currently teaching NZSL full time with Freyberg High School.
Executive Committee - Terryn Agnew
Responsibilities: Professional Development (PD) and Southern Rep
Qualifications: Certificate in Deaf Studies (DEAF801-804).
Teaching experience: Community classes. Taster classes and one-on-one private tutoring.
Executive Committee - Wendy Orellana
Responsibilities: Mentoring and Northern Rep
Qualifications: Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL. Diploma in Applied Interior Design. Bachelor of Spatial Design. Diploma of Graphic Design Communication.
Teaching experience: I've been teaching New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) since 2018, both in-person and online through Ko Taku Reo and Merge NZ. I've taught at the Auckland Deaf Society and the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, where I even established my own NZSL class in past. With eight years of teaching experience, I've also worked with deaf refugees at the AUT Centre for Refugee Education ECC. In my free time, I'm a passionate freelance graphic designer, dedicated to helping the community through my creative endeavors.
Executive Committee - Eddie Hokianga
Responsibilities: Maori Rep
Qualifications: TBC
Teaching experience: TBC
NZSLTA Manager - Julianne Russ
Responsibilities: Communications, management and funding applications.
Qualification: Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL. New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3). Qualified Barista.
Teaching experience: Worked as NZSL Tutor for 3 years at Ko Taku Reo. Community classes and one-on-one private tutoring.
Life members: Lynette Pivac, Shona McGhie, David McKee, Josje Lelijveld
Deceased life members: Penny Went, Dennis Tod