Rāhera Turner is a freelance NZSL Creative Consultant working across the arts sector to ensure language choices on stage are led by first-language NZSL users. She works closely with Deaf and hearing artists and is passionate about raising the profile of signed languages in theatre while supporting Deaf performers and Deaf audiences.
Rāhera has an ongoing relationship with Equal Voices Arts, supporting their work when projects arise. She also delivers Deaf Awareness workshops and consults with arts and government organisations to improve access and inclusion for D/deaf communities.
Organisation/Company
Name: Freelance / Independent Practitioner
My Role: Freelance NZSL Creative Consultant
Rāhera Turner works as a freelance NZSL Creative Consultant across the arts sector, supporting Deaf-led and accessible creative practice. Her work focuses on ensuring NZSL and visual language choices on stage are led by first-language NZSL users and grounded in Deaf worldviews.
Rāhera collaborates with Deaf and hearing artists, theatre companies, arts organisations, and government agencies to strengthen access, inclusion, and meaningful engagement with Deaf communities. She delivers Deaf Awareness workshops and consultancy services that support organisations to create welcoming, accessible environments for Deaf performers and audiences.
Rāhera has an ongoing relationship with Equal Voices Arts, supporting their work as projects arise, and continues to contribute to the development of Deaf-led, bilingual, and bicultural theatre practice in Aotearoa and internationally.
Iwi affiliation
Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Te Patupō, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Rohe
I was born and raised in the Waikato, with whakapapa connections to Waikato-Tainui. This rohe shapes how I see the world and how I work. My connection to whenua and community grounds my practice and informs the way I support Deaf-led and collaborative creative work.
How I got where I am today
My pathway into the arts evolved through hands-on experience in Deaf-led performance contexts, both in Aotearoa and internationally, and through working closely with the Deaf community. In 2017, I supported Equal Voices Arts during their UK and Europe tour of Salonica, gaining insight into international Deaf-led theatre and accessible performance practices. Watching experienced Deaf artists work across different theatre spaces had a lasting impact on my understanding of visual storytelling and collaboration.
I now work as a NZSL Creative Consultant, supporting Deaf-led and accessible theatre practice, and fostering meaningful collaboration between Deaf and hearing artists.
Whānau
Whānau is at the heart of everything I do. I’m the eldest of three sisters, and that role has shaped my sense of responsibility, care, and leadership. I’m also a proud parent of four children—two girls and two boys—and a very proud grandparent to seven mokopuna, who keep me grounded and motivated.
My wider whānau includes the Equal Voices Arts team. We are a close-knit group who look out for one another, bound by trust, shared values, and a deep passion for theatre. It’s a collective of beautiful souls, each bringing their own gifts to the work, and I’m grateful to stand alongside them.
What grounds me?
What grounds me is having a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to giving back to the Deaf community. Knowing that my work supports Deaf-led storytelling and creates space for genuine collaboration keeps me focused and steady. Being part of work that strengthens connection, visibility, and opportunity within the Deaf community keeps me anchored and motivated, even when the work is challenging.
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.