Lara Draper
Assessor
I am an experienced Assessor for the NZSLPI. I previously worked as a Lecturer in Deaf Studies and Interpreting in the UK, where I taught and assessed both interpreting and Deaf Studies students. I also provided interpreter mentoring for two years, supporting newly qualified interpreters to develop their professional practice.
I have extensive experience as a BSL and NZSL tutor and I hold a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Sports Studies and Deaf Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Pollyanna Ferguson
Assessor
I am an NZSLPI Assessor for SignTree. I grew up as a Deaf person in New Zealand. In my assessor role, my focus is on helping people improve their NZSL skills, build confidence, and communicate effectively in education and community settings while encouraging respectful and authentic NZSL use.
Nirvana Graham
Assessor
I am Deaf Bi-Bi Expert Teacher with 26 years of experience in Deaf Education in Aotearoa New Zealand. I enjoy dancing, hiking in nature, and watching movies. I also coach basketball for the NZ team and Deaf children.
Victoria Lessing
Assessor
I am an NZSLPI Assessor for SignTree. I am a Deaf NZSL specialist, educator, and Director of Merge NZ with over 20 years of experience promoting and teaching New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) across Aotearoa. As co-founder of Merge NZ, I lead one of the country’s largest NZSL teaching services, supporting a nationwide network of more than 30 NZSL tutors and teachers.
I am passionate about teaching advanced-level NZSL, strengthening quality teaching standards, and supporting workforce development within the NZSL sector. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor in Business Education.
Susie Ovens
Assessor
I am an NZSLPI Assessor for SignTree. I am a Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) with over 25 years of experience teaching NZSL on the NZSL and Deaf Studies and English–NZSL interpreting programmes. I have extensive experience in NZSL assessment, proficiency evaluation and contribute to curriculum and assessment design. I have taught across a range of settings, including specialist and community education programmes and enjoy supporting NZSL learners to engage with the Deaf community.
I hold a Master of Professional Language Studies: Language Teaching, Auckland University of Technology (2014) and a Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL to Adults, Victoria University of Wellington (2004).
Marjorie Rako
Assessor
Ko Mt Tauhara te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Taupō te moana
Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa iwi
Ko Marjorie Rako tōku ingoa
I am an NZSLPI Assessor for SignTree. Over the years, I’ve developed a great deal of experience engaging candidates to relax and to showcase their best communication skills, and assess NZSL proficiency. NZSL is my native language, and I’m proud to be Turi Māori. I have knowledge in Te Reo Māori through NZSL where it signifies Māori meanings and cultural experiences. I have been NZSL tutor for many years’ experience. I hold a Certificate in Deaf Studies from Victoria Univesity, Wellington.
Janine Campbell
Assessor
I am an experienced educator and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) specialist with over 24 years of experience supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. My work focuses on promoting high-quality NZSL teaching, assessment, and language development across educational settings. As an NZSLPI Assessor, I value fair, accurate, and culturally responsive assessment that reflects authentic language use and supports learner growth. My key achievements include developing NZSL learning resources, mentoring educators, contributing to NZSL programmes, and advocating for the recognition and advancement of NZSL. I hold teacher qualifications in Deaf Education and specialist training in NZSL assessment and education.
Sarah Mason
Assessor & Videographer
I am a full time NZSLPI Assessor and Videographer for SignTree combining my professional skills with my deep passion for NZSL. I’m originally from South Africa and have proudly called New Zealand home for the past 19 years. As a mum of two CODA children who have had access to NZSL from birth, I strongly believe Deaf children deserve access to NZSL from day one. I hold a Deaf Studies certificate and have taught NZSL for over 15 years. For me, this work is far more than a job — it’s a passion, and I’m grateful to contribute in small but meaningful ways to the Deaf community.
Sara Pivac Alexander
Moderator & Consultant
I am a moderator and consultant for SignTree, working alongside Wenda Walton to support and train assessors and keep assessment quality high. I have been involved with NZSLPI since 2015 as an assessor and trainer. I am a Senior Lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington I teach the “Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL” and undergraduate NZSL courses and contribute to NZSL research. My expertise includes developing high-quality NZSL teaching and learning resources, such as the NZSL Online Dictionary, TeachSign, Learn NZSL and national Level 1 and 2 curricula for adult learners.
I hold a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics, and I am a member of the World Sign Language Teachers Committee.
Wenda Walton
Moderator & Consultant
I am a moderator and consultant for SignTree, working alongside Sara Pivac Alexander to support and train assessors and keep assessment quality high. I’ve been part of SLPI service provision in Aotearoa since it arrived in 2015, and I love being part of a team that’s always improving how we do things. I’ve also been a NZSL interpreter for 30 years, with a passion for supporting interpreters in health settings. I originally trained under David and Rachel McKee at AUT, later completing a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.
Rachel Rasmussen
Service Manager
I am Deaf and the Service Manager at SignTree, collaborating with NZSLPI Assessors, translation, interpreting services, and professional development. I have a strong community focus and am committed to continual learning, empowering others, and promoting NZSL.
I have over 10 years of experience as an English to NZSL translator and Deaf relay roles and broad experience in advocacy, project management, leadership, and working closely with NZSL interpreters. I enjoy learning, exploring language concepts, and providing coaching and pastoral care. I am proud to be in management and believe Deaf people can achieve greatly.
Andrew Townshend
Managing Director/Assessor
I am Managing Director and an Assessor at SignTree. I lead the organisation and oversee NZSL assessment services, supporting quality and consistency across assessment processes and systems.
I am passionate about language and communication, and supporting those working with Deaf and hard of hearing people to develop strong NZSL skills.
I am a qualified Sign Language Interpreter and a current graduate Applied Linguistics student at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka researching NZSL as a second language and the validation of assessments.
My 30-year career spans NZSL interpreting and resource development, teaching English as a Foreign Language, and senior leadership roles in Deaf education.