2026 March: Chinese language course registrations now OPEN.

Chinese language courses are back in the classroom this year. Enrol now for face-to-face Mandarin language courses delivered by our experienced teachers. Each course runs for six weeks, with weekly 1.5-hour evening classes.

For more information and registration go to Courses.

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‘Free’ (excluding homestay cost contribution) to schools, the language assistant can bring Chinese language and culture into the classroom to provide opportunities for students, teachers and the wider community to learn and engage with a native speaker from China.

For more information about eligibility and expectations of the programme, please go to background information. Hit the ‘Apply Online‘ for Expression of Interest online form.

• Expression of Interest deadline: 5pm, Thursday, 10 September.
• Schools notified by 23 September.
• Anticipated MLA arrival, end January/beginning February 2027.

Please pass this on to clusters/ colleagues who may be interested.

We look forward to your Expression of Interest.

Note: ALL interested schools (including Confucius and Chinese Classrooms) MUST submit an Expression of Interest, regardless if in a cluster or individually.

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This year’s Competition is sponsored by Industry and Commercial Bank of China (New Zealand) Limited.

***Download the registration form below, complete it, and email the completed form to us.***

Objectives

• To promote and encourage the use of the Chinese among the learners of Chinese in New Zealand;
• To promote the knowledge of Chinese language and culture as an important resource in an increasingly multi-cultural and global environment;
• To provide an opportunity for students of Chinese language to showcase their learning;
• To inspire students to learn Chinese language by sharing their writings with fellow students.

Requirements

• Style of writing: Any format of ORIGINAL work
• Topic: Chinese Connects You and Me – 中文，连接你和我

Categories

• Category I – Secondary School Junior (Year 7-10): minimum 200 characters
• Category II – Secondary School Senior (Year 11-13): minimum 300 characters
• Category III – Tertiary Category: minimum 500 characters

Eligibility

Non-Chinese Heritage Group:
• New Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents, and full-time registered students.
• Mandarin or any Chinese dialect is not the home language spoken by either parent.
Chinese Heritage Group:
• Full-time registered students born in New Zealand.

Judging Criteria

• Content (idea, originality and creativity)
• Language (vocabulary and grammar)
• Structure (organization and style)

* Machine or AI-assisted/generated content/translation is not acceptable and the decision of the judges is final.

Registration

• School Group Registration through your Chinese teacher;
• Individual Registrations are also acceptable;
• Registrations and submit the essays online at Registration Online

Timetable

• All registration and essay submission by 31 August 2026

• Final results and awards will be announced by the end of September 2026

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