All Saints Hataitai Embraces NZSL Week

Parishioners at All Saints Hataitai marked NZ Sign Language Week in a unique and uplifting way by learning and performing a signed version of Pepeha by Six60.

Rebekah Butterfield, a member of the parish and NZSL learner, led the initiative. “I studied NZSL at uni and it was a real joy to work with the congregation to encourage them to learn some signs and give it a go,” she said. “We posted the video on the All Saints Facebook page and it was shared by Deaf Aotearoa.”

The video was inspired by one of the challenges put out by Deaf Aotearoa and was met with enthusiasm by the congregation.

Rebekah hopes the video can inspire others across the Diocese. “As part of being a welcoming church to all people - knowing a little bit of sign goes a really long way.”

New Zealand Sign Language Week was from the 5 – 11th of May.

More information can be found on the NZSL website here

Watch the All Saints video here