This year’s theme for NZ Sign Language Week (4-10 May) is An Aotearoa Where Anyone Can Sign, Anywhere. It’s a timely reminder of NZSL’s power to connect across our Deaf, hearing, disabled, neurodivergent and health-impaired communities and why we should bring NZSL into the daily lives of all Kiwis.

As a pan-disability charity, we see NZSL not only connecting the Deaf community and their hearing whānau, but we also see it breaking down communication barriers between people with speech, language or cognitive differences (such as autism, apraxia, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy) and their whānau too.

We see it used fluently and in full—with all its grammar, syntax and lip patterns—by our deaf and non-verbal whānau. Or core NZSL signs used alongside spoken language to support verbal communication development programmes (e.g. Makaton).

We see it used as an additional language by deaf children with cochlear implants and as a first language, in preference, for some (read on for more on that).

Even if you don’t have a connection with the disability sector, you’ve no doubt seen professionals and the general public use sign language in everyday settings; healthcare, education and service work, to name a few. And in certain environments where sound can’t travel well—noisy places, underwater, across distances—or where people want to be discreet; our police and military couldn’t do without it. Likewise, for hospital patients undergoing procedures that prevent or limit talking, it can be a lifeline.

This year, in celebrating its 20th anniversary as an official language of NZ, it is fair to say it’s increasingly understood how useful NZSL can be, across the motu. That’s why An Aotearoa Where Anyone Can Sign, Anywhere is a campaign we can all sign up to 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️.

So, if you’re a beginner, looking to brush up your skills, or teach tamariki, there will be something to support your learning in the resources below. And if we need any more reasons to embrace NZSL, read on about how it has transformed the lives of the Pilamo and Barker families.

For beginners – general

NZSL taster class from nzsignlanguage.nz

Nine key topics to begin your NZSL journey from Learn NZSL‘s free online portal.

For children and their whānau

TuriTV A collection of signed videos including popular children’s songs, storybooks, early language content, and short NZSL learning clips—for tamariki and adults alike.

First Signs – Stories, Rhymes & Celebrations. Fun, engaging videos with songs, rhymes, and themed content (including favourites like Baby Shark)—great for younger children.

For educators

Let’s Talk – Education and other let’s talk booklets from nzsignlanguage.nz

For sharing

All the resources you could ever need to spread the signing word from nzsignlanguage.nz

For inspiration

Follow @deafaotearoa and @nzslwithjon on Instagram.

Read more about the Barker’s story here.

Extract from the Pilamo’s story (read the full story on our Facebook page):

“NZ Sign Language has taken us to a great place we never expected to be a few years back—and we know other parents may be lost out there right now—so we thought we’d share our story.

“With Cadence, our eldest daughter, we found out about her hearing at the newborn screening tests. She failed them three times before they referred us to the Kenepuru ENT, where she got hearing aids. It was totally different with Cash, our second child—the way we found out and the solutions we came to—a whole new path of emotions.

“He had passed all those newborn screening tests fine. It wasn’t until we noticed that he wasn’t making any more noises when he laughed that we worried; there were no more giggles, and he wasn’t speaking. We had Cadence to compare him to—she was babbling before 12 months and onwards, whereas he stopped at around 1 year old.

“Our GP referred us to a specialist. After testing, they concluded that he had lost his hearing between nine and 12 months.

“The professionals were very helpful. ENT directed us to where and whom we needed to see, and the Adviser on Deaf Children, Rachel, came through this whole journey with us: getting hearing aids, having First Signs come to our home, coming with us to appointments, and through the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme.

“We were referred for implants because his ears weren’t actually working, so there was no point in using hearing aids. He got his cochlears when he was 3-4 years old but has only used them consistently for about six months since.

“He didn’t like it; it was too overwhelming. We knew he might react negatively because of the amount of time he’d had without hearing. Cash knows they’re there, and sometimes I’ll show him them and say, ‘Do you want these on today?’ And he’ll just say, ‘No.’ That’s where we’re at the moment.*

“It was Rachel (Adviser on deaf children) who initially advised us on using NZSL. She made a whole portfolio of first signs to stick around our house and would come over to sign with us as a family before introducing us to First Signs, through Deaf Aotearoa. They come into the home and really push your learning of NZSL. At first, it was hard to learn, but now Cash is our family’s fluent, determined and incredible teacher.” Ruby

“The best thing about NZSL is just communicating naturally and spontaneously with Cash—having regular convos with him. Since studying it at school, he’s come along in leaps and bounds, leaving me behind. We know some, but he’s really advanced. I’m trying to catch up!” Pen

“My hope for the future is that they live life to the full. Because they have this ability—a talent for communicating in a different language—I don’t want it to stop them from doing anything. YOLO! We are so fortunate that our kids have access to this wonderful language, to be able to be themselves and express themselves. That’s what’s important to us.” Ruby

* first published 10 May 2024

Resources and Reasons to Learn NZSL

Connecting families and communities throughout Aotearoa

For beginners – general

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