An Aotearoa Where Anyone Can Sign Anywhere.
This year we celebrate 20 years of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) as an official language of Aotearoa. Two decades of recognition, belonging, and pride.
NZSL Week invites everyone to give our beautiful language a go. You can sign anywhere: across mountains, through windows, underwater, in noisy nightclubs, at home, at school, at work, and everywhere in between. NZSL is a taonga and a living language that helps the Deaf community thrive and connect.
To mark this milestone, we are releasing limited NZSL Week merch designed by Becky West with this spirit in mind. Whether you are Deaf, hard of hearing, a learner, or an ally, you can wear your support anywhere. NZSL goes everywhere, and now your merch can too.
This year’s artwork features the winning design from Deaf artist Becky West. Her work reflects how she sees NZSL: clear, strong, full of light, and a true treasure. A language that offers access, confidence, identity, and freedom. A language that helps the Deaf community spread its wings and flourish.
Wear it to spark conversations. Wear it to show support. Wear it because NZSL is for everyone. Hands up if you are ready to sign with us!
