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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.

Learning from each other

Deputy Party Secretary and Guangdong Coordinator for the exchange Yu He Gao (Gavin) says students from both countries learned a lot about each other’s educational system and cultures.

“From the moment you got off the bus, all our students began to cheer and welcome you from the teaching buildings. They were all eager to make friends with your students. They have shown greater passion for English learning than ever before, asking their English teachers for help on how to express themselves in English, looking up the words they need to talk with your students,” he says.

“This exchange is not only a chance for you to experience Chinese culture but also an opportunity for our students to get a better understanding of Nelson New Zealand and find a motivation to learn English.

“Your students are brave and independent and what deeply impressed us most is their creativity and willingness to learn new things.”

The exchange between Nelson and Yangjiang was awarded the runner-up placing in the Sister Cities New Zealand Awards’ Best Project Youth or School category in May this year.