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.

On 24 March, the Confucius Institute in Auckland was pleased to host a delegation from the International School of Tongji University.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to explore potential areas for collaboration, as well as to strengthen connections between our two institutions.

During the meeting, the Tongji delegation shared details about their upcoming Forum on the Collaborative Innovation and Development of International Chinese Language Education and Artificial Intelligence, which will take place on 25–26 October 2025 at their Shanghai campus. We look forward to future opportunities to engage in dialogue and joint initiatives in these exciting and rapidly evolving fields.

CI hosted the event featuring students and schools who have had a connection with Fudan. Attendees enjoyed a series of engaging presentations, including personal reflections from PhD and exchange students and a talk by Oliver Blaom, former Chinese Bridge Competition champion, who shared his memorable experience studying Mandarin.

Cultural highlights included a beautiful guzheng performance and an elegant dance by Zhang (Herry) Ziqiao, our MLA at Rosehill College. We were also delighted to welcome staff and students from Fairfield College in Hamilton, including Principal Richard Crawford and Chinese Language Teacher Bei Wang, who travelled up for the day to share local cultural performances with our guests.

It was a joyful and meaningful celebration, honouring Fudan’s rich legacy and the deepening connections between our communities.

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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.

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 support of the Confucius Institute at the University of Auckland, Carmel College’s Chinese classroom successfully hosted a unique “Water Marbling” art workshop on April 8th. This event, meticulously planned and organized by Chinese teacher Yu Zhang, aimed to provide students with a hands-on experience to delve into the essence of Chinese culture.

Water Marbling, also known as painting on water, is an ancient Chinese art form dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Legend has it that a hermit sprinkled ink on the surface of a pond, and after two days, he laid silk on the water and then removed it, revealing various patterns on the silk. This art form not only showcases the wisdom of ancient Chinese people but also reflects the philosophical idea of living in harmony with nature.

Under the guidance of Teacher Yu Zhang, students learned the basic principles and techniques of water marbling. They used specially prepared paints to create patterns on the water’s surface, then gently laid paper over the water. After the patterns transferred to the paper, they carefully removed it. Each student created a one-of-a-kind piece of art, vibrant with color and brimming with creativity and imagination.

The students’ response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. They expressed that through hands-on practice; they not only learned about this traditional art form but also gained a deeper appreciation for the profoundness of Chinese culture. One participating student said, “It’s amazing! I never thought painting on water could create such beautiful patterns.”

We plan to continue organizing more cultural activities like this in the future, giving students the opportunity to further understand and experience China’s history, art, and culture. We believe that through these activities, students will not only improve their Chinese language skills but also develop cross-cultural communication abilities and a global perspective.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Teacher Yu Zhang for bringing this unforgettable cultural experience to Carmel College. We look forward to more opportunities to explore and learn about the treasures of Chinese culture with our students.

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.