A free online initiative to help New Zealanders learn New Zealand Sign Language is now available to the public.

Learn NZSL is an e-learning resource developed by the Deaf Studies Research Unit at Victoria University of Wellington.

It covers everyday vocabulary, phrases and conversations, supported by interactive tasks and 660 videos.

The government contributed $230,000 through the NZSL Fund, administered by the NZSL Board.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner says since NZSL became an official language in 2006, there has been an increase in the number of people wanting to learn how to sign.

'The government is absolutely committed to maintaining and promoting NZSL. This free online initiative will enable New Zealanders to learn anywhere and at any time,” she says.

'Congratulations to the Deaf Studies Research Unit and to Sara Pivac Alexander, the project lead, for driving and developing such an important resource.”

Learn NZSL can be accessed online at: www.learnnzsl.nz