Category Archives: Our Community

Our Community

New Zealand Sign Language Week

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New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) week, 5 – 11 May 2025, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this official language of our country. The vision of NZSL week 2025 is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and we want to build this into our places of learning, work and recreation here at UC. 

Did you know…? 

NZSL is a combination of handshapes, facial expressions and body movements.  

Why join a sign language class?  

Students register because: 

  • They have a friend or family member who signs 
  • They’re studying in a field where having an additional means of communication can be valuable. 
  • They want to add another skill to their CV 

Sign up for sign language! 

UC offers an introductory course and two extension courses. 

Students pay $60 for the block which includes online resources. See New Zealand sign language courses | University of Canterbury.  

Get started with the resources below. 

Equity and Diversity, Events and entertainment, Health and Wellbeing, Our Community, Wellbeing

WHAT’S HAPPENING – PINK SHIRT DAY

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Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora I Speak up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

Join us to speak up, stand together and stop bullying this Pink Shirt Day on Friday, 16 May!

We’re asking the UC community to help us turn the campus pink by participating in a range of events beginning Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May.

What is Pink Shirt Day?

Pink Shirt Day is more than just wearing pink. It’s a commitment to upholding our values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and aroha to create a kinder, more inclusive Aotearoa where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or cultural background.

How you can get involved at UC on Pink Shirt Day:

  • Wear pink to show your support and raise awareness about bullying.
  • Start conversations with your family, friends and colleagues about bullying and ways to create a more supportive and inclusive culture.
  • Take action and be an upstander if you see or hear bullying happening, using your words or actions to help the person being bullied.
  • Spread the word about Pink Shirt Day on your social media and personal networks, sharing stories about how bullying has affected you or someone you know, and tagging us @ucwellbeing on Instagram or emailing your photos to studentwellbeing@canterbury.ac.nz.

Events include:

  • May 12-16        Positivity Wall, Puaka James Hight Central Library & The Living Room
  • May 13               T-Shirt Making Workshop, Te Rua Makerspace 10am-12pm
  • May 15               Toastie Wednesday, The Living Room 12-2pm
  • May 16               Connect Zone, The Living Room 1-2.30pm
  • May 16               Core30 Pink Special! 12:05 – 12:35 pm – sign up                                         via the UC Rec&Sport App or with the UC                                                     Reception Team
  • May 16               Spin Pink Special! 12:05 – 12:50 pm – sign up via                                        the UC Rec&Sport App or with the UC Reception                                      Team
  • May 17               Photobooth & Giveaways, The Living Room 11-2pm

Keep an eye out for event details on our socials, digital screens around campus, and blogs!

Let’s work together to make Pink Shirt Day a powerful symbol of our collective commitment to creating a more positive and inclusive community.

For more information on what is available click here.

Follow the below for event updates:

If you would like to talk to someone about this topic or anything else contact the teams below:

Equity and Diversity, Events and entertainment, Health and Wellbeing, Student Success, Wellbeing

What’s on this month for wellbeing?

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UC Wellbeing is here to support your hauora – your overall wellbeing – while you’re studying at UC. Whether it’s tips to manage stress, ways to stay active, or events that help you connect with others, we are here to support you.

We run regular activations, workshops, and events throughout the year – so there’s always something happening! Want to know what’s coming up? Keep an eye on our socials to keep updated!

To see what’s happening this month check out the calendar below. You can find more information on the posters in and outside of The Living Room (next to the bookshop) – A space where you can go and take a break between your studies anytime from  9am – 4pm on weekdays.

Take care,

UC Student Wellbeing