My name is Rhian Yates, I am Deaf and have a deaf family of my own. My two sons are presently enrolled at KDEC pre-school, Kaiden (4) and Ryley (2).

NZSL is my main language as I use it everyday with my family and socially as I am part of the Auckland deaf community.

I grew up in the mainstream system and without coming through the deaf education side, I have taken a keen interest in the deaf education system through my experiences with my sons. I believe by standing for Board of trustees, I am able to contribute with my perspectives and experiences from both sides.

I also offer deaf view in terms of deaf culture and identity, so with what I can offer to KDEC will be valuable and ensuring all needs of deaf children will be met.

I believe KDEC hasn't fully achieved it's potential and the quality of education and access to resources needs to improve to meet the demand of deaf children to match/surpass their hearing peers.