A guide to free and low-cost NZSL Week events

New Zealand Sign Language week takes place this year between May 4 to 10, and this year, we celebrate 20 years of NZSL being an official language. Regardless of your level of NZSL fluency, there are plenty of events across the motu for you to embrace this year’s theme: “An Aotearoa where anyone can sign, anywhere”.

Auckland

Public lecture: NZSL for who?

Monday 4 May, 5.30-7.30pm
WZ Level 1 Foyer, AUT City Campus

Explore 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.
Register by emailing george.major@aut.ac.nz

Sign Language Storytime at New Lynn Library with a surprise guest

Wednesday 6 May, 10.30-11.30am
New Lynn Library Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Rewarewa, 3 Memorial Drive

Children can come and learn some basic signs.

NZSL & Deaf Culture Taster Session

Wednesday 6 May 10am-12pm, Sunday 10 May 2-4pm
Mt Albert Library, 84 St Lukes Road

These two-hour taster sessions are taught by a qualified Deaf tutor in partnership with the Auckland Deaf Society. An NZSL interpreter will be available during the first class. You will learn about NZ Deaf History and Culture and simple, everyday signs to get you involved in NZSL this year. Recommended for ages 14+.

Deaf culture celebration

Thursday 7 May, 10.30am-2.30pm
Hikuwai Plaza, AUT City Campus

Celebrate Deaf culture alongside all the cultures that make the diversity of the AUT community.

20 Years of NZSL Week Celebration

Saturday 9 May, 3pm onwards
Auckland Deaf Society, 16 Hillsborough Road

Kids activities at 3pm, magic and illusion show at 4pm, bubble entertainment at 6pm, NZSL Week Awards live streaming from 7pm.
NZSL interpreter available. 

Wellington 

Dr Joe Murray Lecture – Why Sign Language Settings are Essential for Deaf Learners

Wednesday 6 May, 4.30-5.30pm
Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington, 23 Lambton Quay

Join a lecture and Q&A by World Federation of the Deaf President, Dr Joe Murray. Also available online.

Free coffee experience at Starbucks with Dr Joe Murray

Wednesday 6 May, 12.30-1pm
Starbucks Lower Hut, 6 Bunny Street

Join in a relaxed free, 30 minute coffee experience at Starbucks in the presence of Dr Joe Murray.
NZSL interpreters will be present. 12.15 arrival recommended.

NZSL Parliament Tour

Thursday 7 - Sunday 10 May, various times, approximately one hour per session.
The Beehive, Parliament Buildings, Molesworth Street

Have a tour of Parliament in NZSL to celebrate the upcoming launch of the NZSL strategy. Book free tour here.

20 Years of NZSL as an Official Language Celebration

Friday 8 May, 6pm til late
17 Bannister Avenue, Johnsonville

At 5pm, Deaf Aotearoa is hosting a creative youth session involving handpainting and storytelling for kids. Pizza is provided. Then, join the special in-person presentation by Joe Murray, Wellington Deaf Society President.

Screening: Sign of the Times – The Story of New Zealand’s Visual Language

Saturday 9 May, 12.30-1.30pm
Soundings Theatre, Level 2, Te Papa

Learn about the story of New Zealand’s Deaf community, their language, culture and the official recognition of New Zealand Sign Language in 2006. Sign of the Times is told from the heart of the Deaf community, and the film celebrates the Deaf New Zealanders who fought to have their language recognised.

The film is in NZSL with English subtitles. The venue is wheelchair accessible with low-level lighting and there are toilets next door.

Canterbury

NZSL Celebration in Rangiora Library

Monday 4 May, 12-1pm
Rangiora Library, 141 Percival Street

Learn your sign name, alphabet and basic sign language.

Celebration of 20 years of NZSL

Wednesday 6 May, 6-8pm
Ashburton Library, 2 Baring Square East

Learn sign language for the library and the cafe. There will be cake to share.

NZSL tour at Christchurch Art Gallery

Wednesday 6 May, 7.15pm
Christchurch Art Gallery, 312 Montreal Street

Take a free guided tour of exhibition highlights with an interpreter. Meet at the front desk. 

NZSL Lunchtime Language

Wednesday 6 May 1pm, Thursday 7 May 12pm (30 minute sessions)
Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery

Learn basic communications for your workplace and home with Nirvana Graham

NZSL Bingo Night

Friday 8 May, 7pm
80 Fitzgerald Avenue

$5 entry for three rounds of bingo. The cafe is open and there will be raffles.

High tea and card games

Saturday 9 May, 10-11am
80 Fitzgerald Avenue

Coffee, tea and morning tea catering provided. Minister Louise Upston will be in attendance.

NZSL Awards Livestream watch party

Saturday 9 May, 7pm
80 Fitzgerald Avenue

Join the Deaf Club’s watch party for the NZSL Awards while sipping on a coffee. Gold coin entry.