Mount Maunganui and Tiki Taane feature in Sign Language Week commercial

Kiwi musician Tiki Taane has sung his 2016 hit No Place Like Home many times.

But for the first time on Saturday he performed it without words.

Taane's song, which he wrote about living in the Bay, was chosen by Deaf Aotearoa to feature in this year's New Zealand Sign Language Week TV commercial.

A diverse range of people, and some pets, created a flash mob at Mount Maunganui Beach this morning.

Some people travelled from as far away as Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton to be involved in the filming.

The sun was shining and everyone who wanted to be involved, whether they could sign or not, got the hang of the actions.

"It's a really good cause to get behind," Taane said between takes.

He had never signed before the filming of the commercial but said it was a "really natural thing" to be able to do.

"For me, I'm very cautious of my ears and my hearing. Because of years of performing and producing music my hearing has been affected," Taane said.

He said it was great his music could be enjoyed by a wide range of people.

Deaf Aotearoa chief executive officer Lachlan Keating said the theme of this year's sign language week was "sign language is for everyone".

From May 7 to 13, the 12th sign language week would be celebrated around the country to raise awareness for one of New Zealand's official languages.

Victoria Manning, Deaf Aotearoa general manager, said Tiki Taane's song was chosen because it had a "strong New Zealand feel" and was easy to translate.

Manning said it was important for deaf people to feel included in all aspects of the community and sign language week helped achieve this.

"Everyone should know a little bit of the language, even if it's how to say 'hello my name is ... '."