New Zealand Sign Language Week: 4 to 10 May 2026

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week celebrates the language, culture and identity of the Deaf community while inviting everyone at AUT to learn, connect and build understanding together. It’s a time to recognise NZSL as a living language that helps people belong, participate and be understood.

A legacy in our hands

NZSL Week is celebrated each year in May at the initiative of Deaf Aotearoa and honours the recognition of NZSL as an official language of New Zealand in 2006. In 2026, we mark 20 years of this milestone – a legacy shaped by Deaf communities and carried forward by all of us. NZSL plays a vital role in education, health, workplaces and everyday life, supporting Deaf people to participate equally in society.

This annual event encourages everyone to learn how to sign so we can grow a more inclusive AUT community where communication, respect and shared learning sit at the centre.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn how to sign AUT:

Find out more on the NZSL Week website.

NZSL week at AUT

AUT’s NZSL students and lecturers invite you to introduction classes, activities and games to find out about their world, culture and language.

No skill or prior knowledge is required.

Monday 4 May: NZSL for who?
(Public lecture)
Presented by Deaf academics from AUT’s NZSL team, and hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, this lecture explores the place of NZSL within the wider signing ecosystem through a Deaf Gain lens. Come along to listen, reflect and share what NZSL means to you, with interpreters provided and time afterwards for kai and connection.

5.30-7.30pm, WZ Level 1 Foyer, City Campus
Open to everyone but places are limited.
Please register by email to george.major@aut.ac.nz

Thursday 7 May: AUT Worldwide
We’re joining AUT Worldwide to celebrate Deaf culture alongside all the cultures that makes the diversity of the AUT community.

10.20am-2.30pm, Hikuwai Plaza, City Campus
Open to everyone

Study NZSL at AUT

AUT offers fun and interactive NZSL classes led by Deaf academics. Discover New Zealand Sign Language, study a major, minor, or just give it a go and sign up for a beginner course. Language courses are taught in full immersion – turn off your voice at the door!

Here are some study options to consider at AUT:

Full programmes

• New Zealand Sign Language - English Interpreting Major - Bachelor of Arts – This programme is specifically for students wanting to become qualified NZSL-English interpreters.
• New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies Major - Bachelor of Arts – This programme is for students wanting to gain NZSL proficiency and learn about the Deaf World.
• Add an NZSL minor to your degree – This minor is only 60 points and can easily be added to any AUT degree.

Electives and beginner courses

• NZSL510 NZ Sign Language 1
• NZSL502 Deaf Community and Culture

All NZSL language courses are practical and taught in full immersion. Our level 5 Deaf World theory course is also taught in NZSL, with NZSL-English interpreters in the classroom for non-signers.