Anger at signed debate’s delay

Delays in a sign language interpretation of tonight’s final political debate are ‘‘inadequate and undemocratic’’, says a deaf advocacy group.

The group has called on TVNZ and Deaf Aotearoa to provide realtime access to the final debate between Jacinda Ardern and Bill English.

The push follows Monday’s announcement that the first New Zealand Sign Language version of the clash between the Labour and National leaders would be broadcast on Friday.

Deaf Action chairman Kim Robinson said a two-day delay for the interpreted stoush was not good enough.

‘‘Participating in elections is a real-time event, which voters need to be able to discuss with others, and to think about their voting options. This is sending deaf people to the back of the queue.’’

Deaf Aotearoa chief executive Lachlan Keating said the group – the largest representation of hearing-impaired Kiwis – was working toward a 2020 goal for live debate interpretations.

He said the progress between Deaf Aotearoa, TVNZ and the Human Rights Commission on behalf of the deaf community this election was positive.

‘‘It’s not a perfect solution but, given the technological restraints, it is a solution we’re satisfied with.’’

He said a working group would continue to make improvements after Friday’s interpreted debate aired.

But the delay was necessary for accuracy and was ‘‘not just a case of throwing an interpreter on TV’’.

TVNZ spokeswoman Georgie Hills said incorporating sign language into programmes was new territory. ‘‘We’re learning as we go.’’

Deaf Action plans to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission in relation to the delayed broadcast.