Winners Announced – The Chinese Bridge Competitions 2026

This year’s Chinese Bridge Speech Competition held on Saturday, 23 May 2026 was a resounding success, with a record number of more than 100 Chinese language learners from Years 3 to 13 registered to take part. The event brought together participants from across the wider Auckland region to celebrate Chinese language learning and showcase students’ linguistic and cultural talents.

Secondary school students delivered eloquent speeches on a range of topics, including Chinese history, traditions, and contemporary issues. The judges were impressed by the depth of understanding and fluency demonstrated by the young speakers, reflecting their dedication to and passion for the Chinese language.

As the event concluded, participants, judges, teachers, and parents expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to be part of such a memorable occasion and acknowledged CI’s ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting Chinese language learning in schools. As Auckland bids farewell to this year’s Chinese Bridge Competition, anticipation is already building for next year, when students will once again have the opportunity to embrace and share the vibrant world of Chinese language and culture.

Above, from the left: Dr Maria Galikowski, Senior Lecturer in Chinese and convenor of the International Languages and Cultures Programme, Dr Liang (Kathy) Li, Senior Tutor (讲师) in Chinese, Hina Preddey, student and winner of last year’s Chinese Bridge Speech Competition (Tertiary division) from the University of Waikato, and from the University of Auckland – Qi Zhang (Raquel) Deputy Director and Kerryn Levy, Manager of the Confucius Institute in Auckland

14 March – As autumn settled across Auckland, the Confucius Institute hosted its 2026 Mid-March Workshop for Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs), bringing together volunteers from across the wider Auckland region for three and a half days of learning, reflection, and connection.

The programme combined practical teaching insights with collaborative activities. Sessions focused on classroom experience, with MLAs reflecting on their school placements and sharing ideas for strengthening their teaching. A session led by Tantan Xu (Glendowie College) offered a valuable secondary school perspective, followed by group discussions and presentations that encouraged peer learning and professional growth.

A highlight of the workshop was the outdoor team-building day in Puhoi Village. The group visited the Puhoi Historical Museum to learn about the early Bohemian settlers, enjoyed lunch at the historic Puhoi Pub, and then took part in a kayaking activity along the Puhoi River. The day provided a memorable opportunity to connect, unwind, and experience a unique part of New Zealand together.

The final morning focused on the broader role of language teachers, exploring core values, the emotional dimensions of teaching, and pathways to becoming a registered teacher in New Zealand.

Overall, the workshop was a meaningful and enriching experience, equipping MLAs with new insights, practical strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose.