International Chinese Language Day Archives - Confucius Institute Helping to foster lasting relationships between New Zealand and China Tue, 26 May 2026 00:25:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 https://ci.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/favicon.png International Chinese Language Day Archives - Confucius Institute 32 32 210480186 New Zealand Students Showcase Language and Cultural Skills at Chinese Bridge Speech Competition https://ci.ac.nz/new-zealand-students-showcase-language-and-cultural-skills-at-chinese-bridge-speech-competition/ Tue, 26 May 2026 00:23:31 +0000 https://ci.ac.nz/?p=13574 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.

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New Zealand Students Showcase Language and Cultural Skills at Chinese Bridge Speech Competition

This year’s Chinese Bridge Speech Competition held on Saturday, 23 May 2026 was a resounding success, with a record number of more than 100 Chinese language learners from Years 3 to 13 registered to take part. The event brought together participants from across the wider Auckland region to celebrate Chinese language learning and showcase students’ linguistic and cultural talents.

Secondary school students delivered eloquent speeches on a range of topics, including Chinese history, traditions, and contemporary issues. The judges were impressed by the depth of understanding and fluency demonstrated by the young speakers, reflecting their dedication to and passion for the Chinese language.

As the event concluded, participants, judges, teachers, and parents expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to be part of such a memorable occasion and acknowledged CI’s ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting Chinese language learning in schools. As Auckland bids farewell to this year’s Chinese Bridge Competition, anticipation is already building for next year, when students will once again have the opportunity to embrace and share the vibrant world of Chinese language and culture.

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]]> 13574 Chinese Beginners Class https://ci.ac.nz/chinese-beginners-class/ Tue, 19 May 2026 23:40:59 +0000 https://ci.ac.nz/?p=13559 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.

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Chinese Beginners Class

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]]> 13559 University of Waikato student wins trophy in Chinese Bridge Speech Competition (Tertiary division) https://ci.ac.nz/university-of-waikato-student-wins-trophy-in-chinese-bridge-speech-competition-tertiary-division/ Sun, 10 May 2026 23:07:52 +0000 https://ci.ac.nz/?p=13521 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.

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University of Waikato student wins trophy in Chinese Bridge Speech Competition (Tertiary division)
On 9 May, Deputy Director Zhang Qi (Raquel) and Manager Kerryn Levy from the Confucius Institute in Auckland visited the University of Waikato to present Hina Preddey, winner of the Tertiary Division of last year’s Chinese Bridge Speech Competition, with her trophy.

Above, from the left: Dr Maria Galikowski, Senior Lecturer in Chinese and convenor of the International Languages and Cultures Programme, Dr Liang (Kathy) Li, Senior Tutor (讲师) in Chinese, Hina Preddey, student and winner of last year’s Chinese Bridge Speech Competition (Tertiary division) from the University of Waikato, and from the University of Auckland – Qi Zhang (Raquel) Deputy Director and Kerryn Levy, Manager of the Confucius Institute in Auckland

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]]> 13521 International Chinese Language Day https://ci.ac.nz/international-chinese-language-day/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:14:33 +0000 https://ci.ac.nz/?p=13479 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.

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International Chinese Language Day
April 20th is International Chinese Language Day. MLAs and teachers from the Confucius Institute in Auckland have joined in early autumn across New Zealand to extend their festive greetings to Chinese learners around the world. From different schools, they unite to spark the colorful dream of learning Chinese. With shared passion in international Chinese language education, our teachers express that the true meaning of language teaching shines through when students greet them in Chinese and develop a genuine love for the language. Let Chinese be a bridge — delivering friendship and warmth across the world.
Happy International Chinese Language Day!

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