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.

“Now I feel less anxious about working at school and living in a new country,” Shuyuan, one MLA this year, expressed by the last day of the week.

The MLA Orientation Week, held from 3rd to 7th February, successfully concluded with our 2025 Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs) immersing themselves in New Zealand’s indigenous culture, gaining practical insights into their roles, and beginning their journey toward making a meaningful impact in local schools.

The Week was packed with a range of informative and interactive sessions. The programme commenced with a warm welcome from Mr Danny Chan, Board member of CI in Auckland, setting a supportive tone for the journey ahead. Director Zhou shared expectations for their teaching roles, while Kerryn, CI manager, introduced Kiwi culture and New Zealand’s diverse landscape. Additionally, Xiaolu provided an overview of the New Zealand education system, equipping MLAs with a deeper understanding of their teaching environment.

One of the highlights of the week was the returnees’ session, where former MLAs shared their personal experiences from last year. From practical tips on daily living and shopping to navigating the classroom as a language assistant, these insights proved invaluable for the new cohort.

To further familiarise the group with the education sector, CI in Auckland reached out to schools for the visits. At St Heliers Primary and Glendowie College, the cohort had the opportunity to observe local teaching practices and meet some of the students they may work with. Their cultural immersion continued with a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where they experienced Māori traditions and history firsthand.

By the final day, the MLAs—many of whom are new to both the country and the experience—felt more confident about settling into life in Aotearoa, connecting with Kiwi families, and stepping into their roles as language teaching assistants.

We are excited to see the positive contributions they will make in schools across the wider Auckland region. Wishing all our MLAs a fantastic year ahead!

The mid-year MLA workshop took place from July 7th to 9th at the University of Auckland campus, focusing on teaching pedagogy, mental health, and community connection. This year’s workshop coincided with the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers (NZALT) conference, providing MLAs with a unique opportunity to gain insights into current trends in second language teaching academia.

Leveraging the conference takeaways, the Confucius Institute (CI) organised roundtable discussions the following day. During these sessions, participants delved into topics such as teaching pedagogy and the key competencies outlined in the New Zealand curriculum. A special emphasis was placed on the pastoral care of this cohort, reflecting CI’s belief that guiding and supporting MLAs mentally can significantly enhance their workplace performance.

MLAs actively engaged in these discussions, sharing both their achievements and the challenges they have faced in their life and work in New Zealand so far. This open dialogue fostered a supportive community among the assistants, strengthening their professional and personal bonds.

To further enhance team-building skills, CI introduced creative activities like a TikTok challenge and The Kaipātiki Project. These initiatives encouraged MLAs to connect not only with each other but also with the wider community. The outcomes of these activities will be showcased on CI’s social media platforms, so stay tuned for their final works.

The workshop underscored the importance of comprehensive support for language assistants, combining professional development with mental health and community engagement to foster a holistic approach to their growth and success.

Laughter echoed throughout the room at Pembridge House as the July workshop for Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs) kicked off last Thursday, just a day before Matariki (Maori New Year). 20 MLAs and several guest presenters came together, all set to bond and engage in a day bursting with inspiration, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of excitement!

The scene was set with welcomes from Xuelin Zhou, Director of the CI in Auckland and Dr. Erik Lithander, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Strategic Engagement of the University of Auckland and Chair of the CI Advisory Board. Dr. Lithander expressed not only his excitement about meeting the MLAs in person but its return after a three-year hiatus and the significance of the MLA programme in supporting Chinese language and culture in schools.  His presence gave him the opportunity to hear first-hand the MLAs’ impressions, their highlights and challenges, of working and living in New Zealand.

Louis Heap, the Principal of Arahoe School, followed to share some behind-the-scenes stories and strategies to help overcome the challenges in schools and the benefits to be gained as a teacher and as an MLA working in New Zealand.

JoJo Hua, the Chinese-language teacher from Carmel College, then stepped in with some useful and fun teaching ideas that the MLAs practiced to experience for themselves. And if that wasn’t enough, JoJo had a special treat in store for everyone—Kung-fu! She invited every attendee to bring out their inner martial talents to take part in her specially-designed Wubu Quan (Five-Steps Fist). The MLAs jumped at the chance, throwing punches and kicks (carefully) like they were auditioning for an action movie. It was a grand sight with the group of 20 in high spirits but in sync, as they went through the movements that they could later share with their students as a cultural activity.  

The afternoon session was safety themed with presentations on insurance and keeping safe in New Zealand.

Ethnic Liaison Officer, Kevin Deng, shared the role of the New Zealand Police, a mix of various statistics, practical tips as well as safety precautions to ensure the MLA’s personal safety.  

The day was a long one but came to an end that left the MLAs buzzing with excitement and ideas that they could take back into the classroom and apply to themselves. Thanks to all those who made it a success.