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  Cloisonné Enamel Art

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  Lacquered Fan Crafting

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  Mahjong

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  Mugwort Hammer making

Hands-on Workshops 

This year’s New Zealand Chinese Language Week has been a vibrant celebration across our Confucius Institute (CI) network, with schools, students, and teachers embracing the joy of learning Chinese language and culture. From classrooms to school halls, the week was alive with performances, workshops, and cultural exchange. A big shout-out to all the dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students whose commitment to second language learning continues to inspire us. To mark the week, CI hosted four engaging workshops for the University community, offering a chance to experience the richness of Chinese culture firsthand.

• Mahjong – participants discovered the strategic fun and social tradition of this classic game.
• Mugwort Hammer Making – connecting with traditional wellness practices.
• Lacquered Fan Crafting – showcasing the elegance and artistry of fan decoration.
• Cloisonné Enamel Art – highlighting the intricate beauty of this centuries-old craft.

Each session provided a unique window into China’s vibrant heritage, sparking curiosity and appreciation among attendees.

Cambridge Primary School Cultural Day – 5 September

CI was delighted to take part in Cambridge Primary School’s Cultural Day, where we enjoyed an array of performances—including impressive Mandarin speeches by students, along with songs and dances that showcased the richness of cultural diversity.

A highlight was a special performance by Dalin, one of our Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs), who wowed the audience with his skillful tricks using the traditional Chinese yoyo (空竹, kōngzhú). Traditionally made from bamboo with a hollow body, the Chinese yoyo creates a whistling or humming sound when spun—a captivating blend of play and artistry.

Onerahi Primary School Cultural Day – 9 September

CI was delighted to take part in Cambridge Primary School’s Cultural Day, where we enjoyed an array of performances—including impressive Mandarin speeches by students, along with songs and dances that showcased the richness of cultural diversity. A highlight was a special performance by Dalin, one of our Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs), who wowed the audience with his skillful tricks using the traditional Chinese yoyo (空竹, kōngzhú). Traditionally made from bamboo with a hollow body, the Chinese yoyo creates a whistling or humming sound when spun—a captivating blend of play and artistry.

CI staff attended the Cultural Day at Onerahi Primary School in Whangārei. It was heartening to see so many cultures represented, including Māori, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, with talented students and community members taking the stage. We are grateful to the school for the warm invitation and extend our thanks to the organisers for putting together such a well-run and inspiring event.

Looking Ahead

Events like these remind us of the power of language and culture to connect communities, foster mutual respect, and open doors to new perspectives. As we look ahead, CI remains committed to supporting schools and communities across New Zealand in their Chinese language and culture journeys.

With the generous donation of 300 books from the China Education Publishing & Media Group (CEPMG), the Confucius Institute is delighted to add a rich collection of Chinese and English titles to our library—ranging from timeless classics to modern works of innovation.

A signing ceremony to mark the occasion was held on 22 August in the Confucius Institute boardroom at the University of Auckland, attended by representatives from both CEPMG and CI.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to CEPMG for this wonderful gift of knowledge, which will benefit schools and communities across New Zealand and further strengthen the learning and appreciation of Chinese language and culture.

The MLA mid-year workshop, held over two days, brought together reflection, inspiration, and cultural exchange under the theme Reflection and Replan.

The workshop opened with Xiaolu sharing school feedback with the cohort, offering a valuable springboard for reflection. Her insights set the tone for the workshop, reminding MLAs of the importance of pausing to assess their journey so far and refocus on goals for the months ahead.

Kerryn then led an engaging session using symbolic prompts to guide MLAs in revisiting their achievements and setting intentions for the remainder of the year. Through this activity, participants explored not just what they had done, but also what kind of impact they aspired to make in their classrooms and beyond.

Our Chinese teacher Yu from Fudan Uni introduced career pathways for becoming an international Chinese language teacher, discussing both opportunities and challenges. The session encouraged MLAs to consider how their current experiences could inform long-term planning and personal development.

The first day concluded with a session by Dr Danping Wang, who explored the possibility of pursuing an academic career. Danping outlined the demands and rewards of doctoral study, highlighting the academic qualities and resilience required for this path. The talk added a personal dimension to the day’s theme, that amid uncertainty, taking time to reflect can help clarify one’s direction and purpose.

The second day of the workshop was held in partnership with Fairfield College in Hamilton, offering MLAs an immersive experience in Māori culture and values. Through storytelling, discussion, and connection with the land, the cohort deepened their understanding of how communities can live in harmony with nature. In the afternoon, MLAs and CI staff joined Fairfield students in a tree planting activity at the reserve behind the school. This meaningful gesture of giving back reflected the shared values of respect, care, and sustainability. The warmth and hospitality of Fairfield staff and students left a lasting impression on all participants.

The workshop reminded everyone that the MLA journey is not only about teaching and learning but also about personal growth, self-awareness, and community engagement. A sincere thank you to all contributors, especially Fairfield College, for making this event a meaningful and inspiring milestone in the 2025 MLA programme.

MLA, Qin Zifan

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  Jason Tutara

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  Wang Yu, Chinese Teacher

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  Guests

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  zòngzi 粽子

On Friday, 30 May, the Confucius Institute in Auckland welcomed friends and colleagues to a festive lunchtime celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival (Duānwǔ Jié 端午节) — one of the most cherished traditions in Chinese culture.

The event brought together staff, students, and community members to share food, culture, and conversation in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

A Taste of Tradition

Guests enjoyed sticky rice dumplings (zòngzi 粽子), a classic delicacy of the Dragon Boat Festival. Wrapped in bamboo leaves, these dumplings represent not only delicious flavours but also centuries of cultural history and symbolism.

Special Guests

We were delighted to welcome Jason Tutara, Auckland’s Dragon Boat champion, and Holly Claeys, a passionate dragon boat enthusiast, who joined us to celebrate the festival. Their presence highlighted the strong connection between the traditions of Duānwǔ Jié and the vibrant dragon boat community here in Auckland.

Cultural Performances and Experiences

The celebration featured a vibrant dance performance, filling the room with colour and energy. Participants also had the chance to try their hand at Chinese calligraphy, guided by our talented teachers, and to experience the elegance of an authentic Chinese tea ceremony.

Building Connections

The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring together colleagues and friends in the spirit of cultural exchange. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the celebration such a success.

We look forward to welcoming you to our future events as we continue to share the richness of Chinese language and culture with our community.

About the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival (Duānwǔ Jié 端午节) is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar. It commemorates Qu Yuan (屈原), a patriotic poet of the Warring States period who drowned himself in protest against corruption. According to legend, villagers raced out in boats to save him, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings into the river to keep fish from disturbing his body.

Today, the festival is marked by dragon boat races, a thrilling sport enjoyed around the world, and by eating zòngzi 粽子, which honour Qu Yuan’s memory and symbolise community spirit.

Founded in 2007, the Chinese Test Centre at the Confucius Institute in Auckland has become a trusted hub for Chinese language proficiency testing in New Zealand. Recognised multiple times as a “Global Excellent Test Centre” by Chinese Testing International, the Centre continues to uphold high standards in language assessment and service.

To date, the Centre has organised hundreds of Chinese language proficiency tests, supporting over 6,000 learners and teachers across New Zealand—and beyond.

The tests offered include:

• Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) – Levels 1 to 6

• Youth Chinese Test (YCT) – Levels 1 to 4

• HSKK Speaking Test – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels

• CTCSOL – Written and Interview components for international Chinese language teaching certification

Located on campus at the University of Auckland, the Centre also operates additional test venues in Hamilton and Whangārei, expanding access to Chinese language learners throughout the upper North Island.

Whether for academic advancement, career development, or personal enrichment, the Chinese Test Centre is proud to support learners at every stage of their language journey.