Nah yeah… we’re gonna look GOOD in these 😎

Time is running out! Last chance to preorder your merch to get it in time for NZSL Week TODAY!

This special design honours 20 years of New Zealand Sign Language 🤟

A language that carries identity, culture, and community.

Deaf artist Becky West describes NZSL as something precious — clear, strong, full of light — a taonga 💎
Limited, one-off anniversary release. Don’t miss your chance to own it 👀

Let’s celebrate our taonga — NZSL — together 💙🙌

Hi everyone! 👋

Remember last year’s art competition? We received so many incredible entries — it was so hard to choose a winner. But remember who won? Becky! ✨

Why Becky created this art:
"The sign represents value and preciousness, and with the image of a crystal it reflects how I see NZSL: clear, strong, and full of light. It gives me access to communication and understanding, helping me grow in identity, learning, and confidence. Through this language, I can express myself, connect with others, and share knowledge in meaningful ways.
For me, when people use NZSL, I feel freedom without stress or struggle. Like a butterfly 🦋, it allows the Deaf community and myself to spread our wings, fly, and flourish. It is more than a language; it is beauty, strength, and life. NZSL shines as a treasure, guiding me and shaping who I am."
— Becky West

Stunning, right? 😍 It beautifully captures what we were looking for — a celebration of NZSL as a taonga. 💎

We’re so excited to share this artwork with you and to feature it on merch for the 20th anniversary of NZSL becoming an official language! 🎉🤟

Pre‑orders ENDS TODAY👀
And just like last year (and the year before!), these designs are one‑off and won’t be repeated! 🛍️✨

In 2026, we’re celebrating a huge milestone — 20 years since New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) became an official language of Aotearoa.

As part of NZSL Week 2026, we’re proud to host the NZSL Awards Night at Te Papa 🏛️ — a powerful Deaf-led, fully accessible celebration to honour the people, allies, and organisations helping to build an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere.

✨ This year’s theme, A Legacy in Our Hands, pays tribute to those who fought for recognition of NZSL and reminds us all that we each have a role in shaping its future.

💫 With categories recognising grassroots leadership, creative storytelling, inclusive workplaces, outstanding interpreting and more — the Awards celebrate the many ways NZSL thrives in our communities.

🦋 Ticket prices for the NZSL Awards Night 2026 have now moved to Butterfly 🦋 $175 (late pricing).

🎟️ Make sure you grab your tickets before the deadline on 31 March!
Once they’re gone, they’re gone — don’t miss out on this very special night. ✨

📅 Saturday 9 May 2026
⏲️ 7:00 PM
📍 Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington

Join us as we celebrate 20 Years of NZSL as an official language — A Legacy In Our Hands. 💬🤟

If you would like to be part of an incredible event, we are looking for sponsorship. Your support will help make the awards a night to remember – if you are interested or if you know someone who is, please get in touch with us!

To help everyone get involved, the refreshed NZSL Week 2026 Media & Marketing Kit is now live.
Whether you’re part of the Deaf community, a media or communications team, a workplace, school or community group, this kit makes it easy to plan, promote and participate in NZSL Week!

✨ What’s inside:
- Finalised media release
- Ready‑to‑use social media content
- Posters and flyers
- FAQs and information on where to learn NZSL
- Everything you need to celebrate, share and champion New Zealand Sign Language - all in one place.

Let’s honour 20 years of recognition, progress and pride - and keep building awareness, access and inclusion for the future.