The Resource Management Act 1991 allows you to speak Māori and use New Zealand Sign Language in Environment Court proceedings. 

If any party or witness:

  1. wishes to speak Māori at the hearing under the Māori Language Act 1987, or
  2. has special needs (for example in relation to disability and access, deafness, difficulties with the English language), or
  3. needs any special arrangements for the hearing, e.g. transport for site visits, storage space for bulky exhibits, video playback 

they are to advise the Court in writing of this not later than 10 working days before the date of hearing so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.

Find out more on the Ministry of Justice website:

Speak te reo or use sign language in court(external link)

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