2011 marked the 5th anniversary of NZSL Week and the most successful since it started in 2007. Every year the week keeps getting bigger with more events, more taster classes, more people interested in learning NZSL and more resources, widespread advertising and promotion.

The “I Am Deaf – Let’s Talk” theme was a chance to introduce the faces of three “real” Deaf people rather than using abstract butterflies on hands. This provided a chance for these Deaf kiwis to share their personal experiences of being Deaf – the challenges and successes – and how they live their busy day-to-day lives; showing that Deaf people are no different than other kiwis.

Our three heroes matched our three themes for NZSL Week where we encouraged all New Zealanders to learn NZSL:

• Learn at Work -  Rhian Yates
• Learn at Home – Meghan Coppage
• Learn at Play – Karishma Mohan

Here is a snapshot of what happened during NZSL Week 2011:

• Launch of the National Anthem in all three official languages – NZSL, English and Te Reo Maori. Held in the Grand Hall in Parliament and featuring performances by St Pius X School and Newlands College
• Nearly 9,700 people attended 485 taster classes (there were 444 in 2010) around the country. 
• Over 55 events held throughout the country including a Deaf Café, promotional stalls, Expos, Art Gallery Tours in NZSL, Fingerspell Mexican Wave, Wananga, signed songs, butterflyathon, sign n’ walk groups and many more
• Over 150 TV, newspaper, magazine, online and radio articles reaching more than 3 million people. Highlights included Jeremy Borland and Kellye Bensley interviewed on Good Morning, weather interpreted with Tamati Coffey, features on Asia Downunder, Channel 7, What Now, Attitude TV did some filming, radio interviews on ZB, More FM, Radio Rhema, posters on Shortland Street
• Advertising and promotion on bus shelters, street sides, magazines, local papers and websites
• Upgraded website featuring NZSL videos which captured more than 9,000 visits and 37,000 page views which is an increase of 120% compared to NZSL Week 2010. 
• Quality sign language booklets and other resources available for ordering
• Plus much, much more!

Why do we have NZSL Week?

There are two reasons why Deaf Aotearoa invests time, energy and resources into producing NZSL Week every year:

1. The NZ public becomes aware of the Deaf community and starts to learn NZSL – helping to break down barriers, fears and misconceptions.
2. A chance for the Deaf community to stand proud as Deaf and promote your language and culture.