New Zealand Sign Language
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the language of New Zealand’s Deaf community and one of the two official languages of New Zealand (alongside te reo Māori).
On this page
NZSL uses hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate messages. It was influenced by British and Australian Sign Language, but evolved to have its own unique signs, expressions, and grammar.
If you’re watching a TV show or movie from a different country that has someone is using sign language, you may notice that signs are different to what you see in New Zealand!
I’m keen to understand NZSL
Congratulations! You’re joining over 28,000 people in New Zealand who know the language. Whether you’re learning it for yourself or to support someone else, there’s never a bad time to start!
There is a range of resources online that can help you learn NZSL. Check out the links below to start learning or refine your skills.
The NZSL Dictionary has over 4500 words with video clips and pictures showing how to do the signs. You can search signs using English or te reo Māori keywords or browse signs by topic. NZSL Dictionary is maintained by the Deaf Studies Research Unit at Victoria University of Wellington.
Learn NZSL is a free learning platform that teaches you how to use NZSL in common situations. It’s full of videos and exercises to help you fine tune your NZSL skills.
NZSignLanguage.nz
You can download a range of Deaf Aotearoa booklets, posters, and other resources to help you learn NZSL, including te reo Māori to NZSL resources.
Here you’ll find a range of NZSL resources ideal for printing and displaying around classrooms.
Turi TV
Turi TV is an educational resource for kids who use NZSL, featuring fun videos and stories.
NZSL Share
NZSL Share is an online community space for NZSL users to share and discuss new signs. The site is provided and monitored by the Deaf Studies Research Unit at Victoria University of Wellington.
Find NZSL classes and courses
Below you’ll find organisations that offer NZSL courses and classes. Various community organisations may run courses too, so check with your library, community centre, and online noticeboards for any other local classes.
TeachSign
Teach Sign has a directory of NZSL classes around the country.
Online or in person
NZSL4U
NZSL4U offers free face-to-face and online NZSL courses.
Merge NZ
Merge NZ provides online group courses and in-person courses. They also offer specialised NZSL courses to suit you needs.
USign
USign offers online or in-person NZSL courses in Waikato.
Auckland
Auckland Deaf Society
Auckland Deaf Society has NZSL courses all over Auckland and online.
Signora
NZSL classes in Auckland.
Rutherford College Community Education
Learn basic NZSL at Rutherford College, Auckland.
Waikato
Hamilton City Libraries
Hamilton Central Library offers free sign language classes each week during the school term.
Manawatū
UCOL
UCOL teaches free sign language courses in Palmerston North.
Wellington
Wellington High School Community Education Centre
You can do an introductory NZSL course with evening classes at Wellington High School.
Canterbury
Risingholme Learning
Risingholme teaches NZSL classes in Christchurch.
Sign Equity
Sign Equity offers face to face introductory NZSL training to businesses, community groups, and individuals in Canterbury.
University courses
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
At AUT, you can do a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in NZSL.
Victoria University of Wellington
At Victoria University you can do a degree with a minor in NZSL. Victoria University also offers a Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL, which is a qualification for fluent NZSL users who want to teach the language.
NZSL is just one form of communication used within our disability community. To go further into the world of accessible communication, check out our accessible communication formats page here.