New Zealand has its First Profoundly Deaf MP
Mojo Mathers' rise to Parliament has been labelled a success not just for the Green Party, but also for the New Zealand deaf community.
English-born Mathers, 45, is Parliament-bound after a full count of votes cast in the November 26 general election saw the party's list vote increase from 10.62 per cent to 11.06 per cent, securing itself 14 MPs.
The Greens had initially won 13 list MPs on election night.
Mathers will become New Zealand's first deaf MP, something Greens co-leader Russel Norman said should rightfully be a cause of celebration for the deaf community.
An estimated 400,000 New Zealanders battle hearing impairments of varying degrees.
''It is a great day for democracy,'' Norman told the Sunday Star-Times. ''It means our democratic system will be required to reach further than it has.
''What it means is a lot of New Zealanders who are hearing impaired, because Mojo is in there and some changes will have to be made, they will get access to Parliament in a way they haven't up to now.
''I actually think it is a great thing for New Zealanders who are hearing impaired. It means that Parliament will have to change a bit and that's going to benefit many thousands of New Zealanders.''
Norman said it was too early to say exactly what ''changes'' would be required to aid with Mathers' arrival into Parliament.
That included whether a sign language translator would be on hand in Parliament's debating chamber.
''We will have to work that out,'' he said.
Mathers, a mother of three, said she was looking forward to the challenges that awaited her.
She hoped her new role would double as an inspiration for others with disabilities.
''There are many barriers to democratic participation for disabled people,'' she said.
''I hope my presence in Parliament will result in improved accessibility and access to political information for everyone, including those with a hearing impairment.''
She added she was committed to being a strong advocate for those with disabilities.
''The recent Human Rights Commission review of Human Rights identifies disabled people as the most disadvantaged minority in New Zealand,'' she said.
''As a deaf person who lives and breathes green issues, I am a strong advocate for inclusion for everyone.''
Norman described confirmation of votes cast for the November 26 election as a ''proud day'' for the Green Party.
''It is great for the Greens and means Parliament gets another talented Green MP to add to the collection,'' Norman said.
''Mojo brings a really strong background particularly in environmental areas.
''Our target was 10 per cent [of the list vote] and that was always a big ask. We have well exceeded and we have increased our number of MPs by more than half.
''It's a pretty great result for us.''
(Source: Stuff)
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