New Zealand Sign Language Week
Since 2007, New Zealand Sign Language Week – Te Wiki o Te Reo Turi is an annual celebration of one of Aotearoa’s official languages, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). It’s a time to showcase the richness of NZSL, elevate appreciation of NZSL and the Deaf community, dismantle barriers, dispel misconceptions and foster greater inclusion. Hands up!
2025
Monday 5 May — Sunday 11 May
This year’s theme, te kaupapa o te tau:
“An Aotearoa Where Anyone Can Sign Anywhere.”
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NZSL Alphabet Quiz (Scratch)
Dive into digital design and computational thinking while learning the alphabet in NZSL by programming an interactive quiz in Scratch!
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Six60 in NZSL & Using a Green Screen (Videography)
Celebrate NZSL week with the Six60 ‘Pepeha’ in NZSL challenge, and use a green screen to get creative with a new background.
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E haere ake nei...
Watch this space for more creative and interactive projects for celebrating New Zealand Sign Language Week, Te Wiki o Te Reo Turi! Hands up!
Links and Resources
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NZSL Week Homepage
The homepage for the annual NZS Week kaupapa, with information about what it means, what’s going on, how to get involved, learning resources, merchandise and more!
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Deaf Aotearoa | Tāngata Turi – Resource Page
The resource page of the Deaf Aotearoa, Tāngata Turi website, with videos, PDFs, te reo Māori and more for learning and using NZSL.
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NZSL Dictionary
The online dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language. Search 4500+ entries, by keyword in English and te reo Māori, by visual hand shape and body location, plus resources and more!