This year’s theme is Modern China Through My Eyes. We encourage teachers to support students in using their creativity and Chinese language skills to share what interests, surprises, or inspires them about China today.

Videos could explore contemporary Chinese language and culture, daily life, education, technology, innovation, the environment, the arts, food, communities, or any other aspect of modern China. Students may also explore the connections, similarities, and differences between China and their own country, language or culture. They could reflect on how learning Chinese has helped them better understand China and Chinese culture, while also seeing their own language and culture from a new perspective.

We welcome videos that are original, engaging, culturally meaningful, and closely connected to the theme. Creative storytelling, thoughtful cultural comparisons, humour, and ideas that help others learn more about Chinese language and culture are all encouraged.

***Download the registration form below, complete it, and email the completed form to nzshortvideocompetition@gmail.com.***

Requirements

• Videos must be presented in Chinese.
• Videos must be no longer than five minutes.
• Each school may submit up to five entries. Each video may feature an individual student or a small group of students.
• Entries must include live-action content. AI-generated or animated videos will not be accepted.
• Videos must be filmed in landscape orientation and submitted in MP4 format. No other formats will be accepted.

Categories

• Primary School: Years 1–8
• Secondary School: Years 9–13
• Tertiary Institutions

Within each education level, entries will also be identified in one of the following learner categories: 

• Non-native Chinese Speaker: students who do not have Chinese as a home or heritage language
• Chinese Heritage Speaker: students who have a family or community connection to Chinese and some prior exposure to the language

Students in both learner categories are equally welcome. Judges will consider students’ age, learning experience, and language background when assessing Chinese language use.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged primarily on:

• How well the video connects to the theme “Modern China Through My Eyes”
• Creativity, originality, and audience appeal
• Storytelling, performance, and overall presentation
• Cultural content and understanding
• Meaningful exploration of cultural connections and differences, where relevant
• Appropriate and effective use of Chinese

Awards will be presented for:

• Best Video
• Best Language
• Best Performance
• Best Teacher Mentor
• Best Organising School

Timetable

All registration and essay submission to nzshortvideocompetition@gmail.com by 5.00pm on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

Kindly note – The teacher submitting the entry must ensure that the school has obtained written consent for the use of the image, voice, and video footage of every identifiable person appearing in the video. For participants under the age of 18, consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian. By entering the competition, schools and participants grant the organisers permission to use, reproduce, display, publish, and share the submitted video, including any images, footage, voices, names, and likenesses appearing in it, for educational, research, promotional, and other non-commercial purposes.

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On 26 February, the Confucius Institute in Auckland welcomed colleagues and friends to celebrate Chinese New Year and usher in the Year of the Horse. Guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon, followed by an engaging presentation highlighting the cultural significance, traditions, and symbolism associated with this important festival and the zodiac year ahead.

Attendees were then invited to participate in a series of interactive demonstrations, including traditional Chinese paper-cutting, calligraphy, nail art, and the art of the tea ceremony. These hands-on activities offered guests a deeper appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage and festive customs.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant Hanfu fashion show, featuring traditional attire elegantly modelled by our Mandarin Language Assistants, bringing colour, history, and artistry to a joyful lunchtime celebration of cultural exchange.

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The 2026 Mandarin Language Assistant (MLA) Orientation Week, held during the week commencing 2 February, concluded successfully with our new cohort gaining valuable practical insights into their roles and responsibilities. The programme was designed to equip the MLAs with the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to begin their placements in local schools.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in workshops and discussions covering classroom expectations, cultural exchange, communication strategies, and life in Aotearoa New Zealand. By the final day, many of whom are new to both the country and the experience of working in New Zealand schools, expressed growing confidence about settling into their host communities, connecting with Kiwi families, and stepping into their roles as language teaching assistants.

The Orientation Week not only provided professional preparation, but also fostered a strong sense of community among the MLAs as they begin this shared journey. We look forward to the positive contributions they will make in schools across the wider Auckland region and wish all our MLAs a rewarding and successful year ahead.

The post Welcoming Our 2026 Mandarin Language Assistants appeared first on Confucius Institute.

On 29 November, the Confucius Institute in Auckland hosted the 2025 Farewell Ceremony for its Mandarin Language Assistants (MLA) cohort. Held at the Sir Owen G Glenn Building, the event celebrated the achievements of 23 language assistants who contributed to Chinese language and cultural education in schools across the wider Auckland region.

 

 Dr Xuelin Zhou, Director of CI in Auckland, opened the ceremony, joined by guest speakers including Vice Consul-General Mr Wang Junchao of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Bin Liu, CEO of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (New Zealand) Limited, CI Advisory Board Members Emeritus Professor Paul Clark and Mr Danny Chan, and Ms Maree Bathurst, Principal of Albany Primary School. They commended the MLAs’ dedication and their role in strengthening ties between New Zealand and China.

 

Cultural performances by the Westlake Diabolo Club, MLA dancer from Rosehill College, dancers from Glendowie Primary School, and a Fashion Parade and song by Onerahi Primary students highlighted the vibrancy of Chinese traditions. Certificates of completion and recognition were awarded to the Language Assistants, and awards were presented to the winners of our inaugural MLAs’ Teaching Skills competition.

  

The event concluded with a heartfelt choir performance, celebrating the MLAs’ accomplishments and the connections they built with schools, teachers, learners, and communities during their ten-month journey.

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On 23 November, the Confucius Institute in Auckland held a highly successful “Chinese Bridge” immersive cultural experience for thirty secondary school students from across Auckland. The event combined hands-on cultural workshops with an inspiring talk from Jin Kaibo, the 2025 “Chinese Bridge” World Secondary School Chinese Competition Auckland Regional Champion and Global First Prize winner.

Jin Kaibo’s energetic presentation was a highlight of the day. He shared his journey from learning Chinese to competing on the world stage, describing how he overcame language barriers, prepared for the finals in China, and navigated cultural knowledge challenges alongside contestants from around the world. His stories, insights, and practical learning tips deeply motivated the students, drawing frequent applause and creating a strong atmosphere of encouragement.

Following the talk, students took part in two immersive cultural workshops: lacquer fan making and diabolo making. Under the guidance of CI teachers, students learned the history and artistic techniques behind lacquer fans while creating their own designs. In the diabolo workshop, students practiced grip, power techniques, and fundamental tricks—moving from beginner mistakes to proudly mastering steady spins and catches.

The activity concluded with students sharing their fan artworks and demonstrating diabolo skills, generating a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. Many commented that the experience deepened their appreciation for Chinese culture and strengthened their motivation to learn Chinese. One student expressed, “I want to work even harder and stand on the Chinese Bridge stage next year!”

By combining role-model inspiration with hands-on cultural activities, the Confucius Institute in Auckland provided students with a meaningful platform to explore the Chinese language and culture. The event successfully used the spirit of the “Chinese Bridge” competition to promote learning through experience, building a vibrant bridge of cultural exchange between young people in New Zealand and China.

 

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Celebrating Dedication: 2024 MLA Farewell Ceremony

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