Kia ora koutou
I am Andrew Townshend, Managing Director of SignTree. My sign name is two hands rubbing together, which means enthusiasm or motivation in NZSL. In my case though the meaning isn’t quite so deep, I was given the sign name because I developed a habit of rubbing my hands together when figuring out how I was going to interpret what I was hearing!
NZSL is my first language along with English. My parents and one of my 2 older brothers are Deaf.
I am fascinated by language and communication, and I am highly motivated to help those working with Deaf and hard of hearing people to grow their NZSL knowledge and skills to the highest levels.
I am a qualified Sign Language Interpreter, and I also hold a BA in Linguistics with a minor in Japanese.
My 30-year career in language and communication includes 10 years NZSL interpreting and resource development, 10 years teaching English as a Foreign Language, and 10 years in senior and executive management roles within Deaf education.