New Zealand Sign Language Week: 5 to 11 May 2025

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week aims to increase awareness and understanding of NZSL and the Deaf community. It’s an opportunity for the Deaf community to celebrate their language and culture and for others to learn more about it.

An Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere

NZSL Week is celebrated each year in May at the initiative of Deaf Aotearoa, honouring the recognition of NZSL as an official language of New Zealand since 2006. NZSL is essential for Deaf people in education, health, and workplaces and to be able to participate equally in society.

This annual event is designed to promote NZSL and encourage everyone to learn how to sign so we can foster a more inclusive society where everyone can communicate and learn from each other.

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

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 5 May: Introduction to NZSL
Discover fingerspelling and learn how to introduce yourself and greet Deaf people for the first time.

12.15pm-12.45pm, City Campus Library
Open to all AUT students
Register here

Tuesday 6 May: Quiz games
Discover and explore the Deaf world through various topics, hosted by the NZSL student group. This is a free event open to students, staff and members of the public. Two NZSL interpreters will be present, and the Deaf community will be there to meet you.

6pm-8pm, AUTSA Lounge (WC212, City Campus)
Open to everyone

Wednesday 7 May: Introduction to everyday NZSL
Discuss and practice common NZSL signs used in daily life, such as study, play, eat and party.

12.15-12.45, City Campus Library
Open to all AUT students
Register here

Thursday 8 May: Introduction to Deaf culture
Discover Deaf culture, a unique culture celebrating being Deaf as a unique and rich human experience.

12.15pm-12.45pm, City Campus Library
Open to all AUT students
Register here

Activities and games in NZSL
Led by NZSL students, participate in different activities and games related to Deaf culture that hearing people may have never seen before. It's all about having fun and discovering unique games.

12.45pm-2pm, Hikuwai Plaza, City Campus (as part of AUT Worldwide)
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. Some theoretical courses are interpreted.

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

All NZSL language courses are taught in full NZSL immersion by Deaf lecturers. You will leave your voice at the door!

AUT’s engagement with its Deaf students

AUT is committed to ensuring that all students reach their learning potential. We employ NZSL-English interpreters to facilitate communication between Deaf and non-Deaf students and staff. A university plan was delivered to provide allocated resources across all three campuses:

Increased learning support
Dedicated interpreter chairs in lecturer theatres and classrooms
Filming studios for NZSL interpreters
Confidence screens in larger lecture theatres
Fire alarm text alerts

Find out more

Great graduatesByron GibbonsNew Zealand Sign Language Interpreter, Wellington
Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand Sign Language – English InterpretingAs a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA), New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf culture are valuable parts of his identity, says Bachelor of Arts alumnus Byron Gibbons.As a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA), New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf culture are valuable parts of his identity, says Byron Gibbons who completed a Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand Sign Language – English Interpreting. He is passionate about creating a more equal and fair society for Deaf New Zealanders.

Great graduatesKathy O’CarrollCommunity Support Worker, Emerge Aotearoa, Hamilton
Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf StudiesFor Kathy O’Carroll, her passion for working with the Deaf community started more than 20 years ago and eventually led her to AUT’s Bachelor of Arts.For Kathy O’Carroll, her passion for working with the Deaf community started more than 20 years ago and eventually led her to AUT’s Bachelor of Arts.

Great graduatesRebecca Peri3rd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand Sign Language – English InterpretingShe has wanted to be a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter for as long as she can remember, says Rebecca Peri who is studying the Bachelor of Arts.She has wanted to be a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter for as long as she can remember, says Rebecca Peri who is studying the Bachelor of Arts.

Resources and links to further learning

AUT’s NZSL & Deaf Studies section (Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services website) offers online resources to help you study learning New Zealand Sign Language, as well as book recommendations to help you get started.
Learn NZSL is a free online learning website. Learn and practise basic NZSL conversational phrases in your own time.
NZSL dictionary is a fun app that can teach you one word at a time. It is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
Deaf Aotearoa’s resources (NZSL Week website) have multiple booklets to learn in different situations – bars and restaurants, at work, medical situations, fun and with your family.