NZSL Week Over the Years celebrates two decades of New Zealand Sign Language being recognised, shared, and championed across Aotearoa. Over the past 20 years, NZSL Week has been shaped by Deaf advocates, allies, and community heroes who helped bring NZSL into homes, schools, workplaces, and public life. Take a look back at older videos, TV commercials, and campaign moments from past NZSL Weeks, and see how the stories, faces, and messages of NZSL have evolved—while continuing to strengthen the legacy of NZSL as a living, thriving language.
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Since moving to New Zealand, Karishma has been involved in the Deaf community in various ways, including the DEAFinitely Youth Group. This year, Karishma is starting university – realising her dream of becoming an Early Childhood Education teacher for young Deaf children. Karishma loves socialising with her friends, and believes one can live a full, sociable life as a Deaf person who uses NZSL.
Rhian Yates is a qualified carpenter. He was raised in Huntly, before moving to Auckland so his Deaf son could access more Deaf-friendly educational support. Rhian is involved in the Deaf community through his involvement with the Northern Marlins Deaf Rugby Union and is on the Board of Trustees of Kelston Deaf Education Centre.
Born to Deaf parents, ten-year-old Meghan Coppage leads a busy life. As well as attending both the Deaf Unit & mainstreamed classes at her local school, Meghan plays softball and attends Cubs. Meghan also loves her pets, and wearing her glittery jewellery. Brought up in a NZSL environment, Meghan is a positive role model for other young Deaf people.
2012
2013
2014
We are very happy to introduce the NZSL Week Hero for 2014, Amber Tiopira-Waaka. Amber was a member of the sign singing “Crew” which performed at the NZSL Awards Gala Dinner and Deaf View 3 last year.
Amber grew up in Wellington but last year she decided it was time to spread her wings, so she moved to Christchurch. She is very creative. Last year she studied make-up artistry and is planning to study design in the future.
2015
I’m a big family man and I love my family. I love socialising and hanging out with friends, and I’m very passionate about sports. My favourite sport – being a good Kiwi – is rugby. I go to the gym regularly, and I also love going running, both around my local park in Three Kings, or sometimes in parts of Mount Wellington or on One Tree Hill. When I’m not doing that though, I’m with my family.
2016
NZSL Week 2016 – introducing our poster boy and themes!
Meet Destyn, our NZSL Week poster boy for 2016! Destyn attends KDEC and was born in the same year that NZSL became an official language.
This year we are celebrating 10 years of NZSL’s official language status and our 10th NZSL Week. And, our poster boy is also turning 10 this year!
NZSL Week 2016 will focus on our 10 year celebrations and so there is a focus on our young deaf people. The future of NZSL is in their hands. We will launch our new First Signs website during NZSL Week, and will promote the importance of NZSL in the home and in the community for our young deaf people.
“My Life in Sign” will be a series of short videos starring Destyn. These videos will be released each day during NZSL Week.
We will start using these posters now and want them out there as much as possible! We want everyone to see the wonderful posters and to know about NZSL Week. “Shortland Street” fans should also spot these posters in the background during NZSL Week.
We are organising printing of these posters and some will be available at your local Deaf Aotearoa office for you to pick up and put up in your work place, school, etc. You can also print them yourself. We will put more information about the availability of posters in coming CommUNITY Weekly newsletters. Watch this space!
We aim for this year’s NZSL Week to be big, and one that everyone remembers!
2017
It’s here! Planning for New Zealand Sign Language Week 2017 (May 8th-14th) is well underway. We’re proud to reveal the posters for NZSL Week 2017 and introduce their stars!
These fantastic faces are Deaf Aotearoa’s four new Youth Interns. They’re with Deaf Aotearoa for 12 months, and one of the first jobs they got given when they started was to star in a photo shoot! NZSL Week 2017 is moving forward from last year’s big 10-year celebration, and continuing to focus on the next generation of NZSL users – youth! Young people and families are the future of NZSL and Deaf Aotearoa’s Youth Interns are a promising glimpse of what that future looks like.
Keep a lookout for these faces as we get closer to NZSL Week – you’ll see them on posters, on buses, in malls, online…everywhere! Taster Class registrations open soon too, so make sure you’re ready to spread the word!
Chelcie is based in Deaf Aotearoa’s South Auckland office. When she’s not making great coffee in her barista job, she’s off adventure-seeking with her friends – road trips, camping and the beach!
Monique is based in Deaf Aotearoa’s Waikato office. She has some modelling experience and contributed some great ideas for different shots at the poster photo shoot!
Miggy works in Deaf Aotearoa’s Wellington office. In his spare time he loves playing chess and as a recent Certificate in Deaf Studies graduate, he’s looking forward to teaching some Taster Classes!
Keira is based in Deaf Aotearoa’s South Auckland office. She also works as a barista, and loves catching up with her friends at Deaf Club on Friday nights!
2018
Introducing the stars of our NZSL Week 2018 posters!
This year’s NZSL Week theme is ‘NZSL is for Everyone’. We’re thrilled that our NZSL Week 2018 posters feature some very special Deaf toddlers and Deaf children hanging out and signing with their Deaf grandparents, reflecting our theme of NZSL for everyone at every age.
2019
NZSL Week 2019 posters starring Shannon and Matthew – familiar faces celebrating My Language, My Place!
2020
2021
We are proud to showcase this year’s New Zealand Sign Language Week heroes, Sara and Theo. Both Sara and Theo are proud members of the New Zealand Deaf Community.
Sara is a Lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington teaching New Zealand Sign Language Studies as part of a Bachelor of Arts qualification. Sara is also involved in creating NZSL teaching resources and currently manages the Learn NZSL e-learning project.
Theo is a Data Liaison and Records Officer at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, where he is a member of a team responsible for sending out high school and university certificates. Theo has been a valued member of the team for over 15 years. Theo also plays rugby for Marist St Pats Rugby Football Club, represented Central Zone Deaf Rugby Union, and has toured with the Deaf Blacks Rugby Union.
2022
Introducing our NZSL Week 2022 Hero, Emmie! This week, we will be sharing videos of her story, talking about why NZSL is Essential for her.
Each day’s theme will be related to one of our Let’s Talk – 25 Signs to Learn booklets! 
2023
We are thrilled to introduce you to our hero for this year’s New Zealand Sign Language Week – Jon Tai-Rakena!
Jon is passionate about teaching NZSL to anyone and everyone, from whānau to neighbours to friends and everyone in between, and is also a regular TikToker.
We’ve loved getting to know Jon and discover more of his journey. He shared a heart-warming story with us about how his grandma learnt sign language and taught him as a Deaf child so he could communicate with his family. Jon’s grandma is a very important person to him, as she provided the “bridge”, as he said, to his hearing family.
That’s what this year’s New Zealand Sign Language Week is all about, coming together to all learn signing, whether we are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or hearing! Because together we can make New Zealand Sign Language thrive.
2024
In his second year as our NZSL Week ambassador, Jon is shining brighter than ever. He’s not just the face of the campaign; he’s the heart and soul behind it, sharing his incredible journey and signing up a storm for TVNZ ads.
Jon’s story is one of resilience and triumph. Growing up in a tough environment, he faced more than his fair share of challenges. But through it all, he’s emerged as a beacon of hope and strength. Deaf, Māori, Pacific Islander, and unapologetically flamboyant, Jon is learning to love himself despite the odds stacked against him.
Raised in a home marked by abuse, Jon found solace and acceptance in his Māori grandmother’s embrace. She taught him the power of love and understanding, embracing his deafness with open arms.
Despite grappling with adversity, including moments of darkness that led to attempted suicide, Jon’s spirit remains unbroken. He’s found his place within the Deaf community, championing NZSL with passion and purpose. His message is clear: every Deaf individual deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.
This NZSL Week, Jon urges the Deaf community to celebrate their culture and language, affirming that no one walks alone. And for our hearing friends, Jon extends an invitation to embrace NZSL, fostering inclusivity one sign at a time.
With Jon at the helm, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re igniting a movement. Here’s to our Deaf hero, whose light shines brighter with each sign.
2025
Over the past two years, Jon Tai-Rakena has been an incredible NZSL Hero, sharing his passion for NZSL and inspiring so many. Now, he’s passing on the baton to someone just as dedicated – Rosie Solouota! 🎉
You might have already seen Rosie pop up here and there… and now, we’re so excited to officially introduce her as the NZSL Hero for 2025/26! She’s a passionate advocate for NZSL, committed to teaching and promoting the language far and wide.
Together, we’re working towards An Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere! 🫶 Let’s celebrate NZSL and continue making that vision a reality.
🙌 Hands up if you’re ready to sign with us! 🙌
2026
