NZSL is descended from BSL, but its not the same thing. Sort of similar to LSF (French) and ASL.
The thing that i find key here is the distinction between recognizing it as a language, and recognizing it as an official language.
If the language is just recognized, that means 'yes, the language exists, but we don't use it'. This just provides the legal framework for such things as requiring interpreters, and for recognizing it as a subject for a 'foreign' language class.
Government doesn't have to do much except accommodate the 'foreign' language user when needed.
If it is recognized officially, then you have a whole new beast. The language then is put on an equal standing to other 'official' languages. so ANYWHERE you have services provided in one language, you have to provide it in the other. Thus, this policy means NZ has to provide and use NZSL *EVERYWHERE*
WOW
