On Saturday 25 May, a series of Chinese language proficiency competitions took place at University of Auckland. These events brought together students from diverse age groups and backgrounds, highlighting their linguistic abilities and cultural appreciation.

The ICBC Cup Auckland Regional Speech Competitions 2024, part of the Chinese Bridge series, featured participants showcasing their Chinese language skills and cultural understanding. 34 schools from the Auckland region were represented, with students demonstrating their talents through Chinese songs, ink paintings, calligraphy, lion dance, Tai Chi, and Kungfu performances. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, celebrating the participants’ abilities and fostering cross-cultural connections.

The competitions were divided into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary students. The top performers from wider Auckland region will have the chance to join winners from other regions in New Zealand to compete in the global competition in China.

In a celebration of language, culture, and the remarkable abilities of young minds, Meadowbank School and Cornwall Park District School recently hosted their respective Chinese speech competitions. These events served as a testament to the dedication of students and educators in promoting multilingualism and fostering international connections. CI in Auckland was invited to be judges and to witness the talents and passion of the young participants.

Students embraced the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on a wide array of topics, ranging from environmental conservation, with speeches on how to protect our planet, to heart-warming descriptions about their beloved pets. All the participants delivered their speeches with remarkable fluency, eloquence, and confidence.

CI in Auckland was pleased to support the speech competitions in local schools. Professor Zhang, the deputy director of CI, expressed her admiration for the students, saying, “It’s truly inspiring to see these young learners’ efforts in second language learning. From them, I see the meaning of language as a bridge connecting cultures.”

The Institute looks forward to more schools participating in future competitions.

“Chinese is so challenging yet undeniably fun to learn,” said one of the students. This was a common feeling shared throughout the 16th “Chinese Bridge” Speech Competition Prize-giving Ceremony hosted by the Confucius Institute in Auckland on 24 June. Approximately 65 guests, including Consul General Chen Shijie, CI in Auckland Advisory Board members Patrick English and Danny Chan, and sponsor, BNZ’s Head of Asia Business, Franky Wang, together with winners, their parents and teachers gathered at the University of Auckland to celebrate the achievements of students who had participated in this year’s competition.

The ceremony commenced with signature speeches from key speakers, each shedding light on the significance of language learning and cultural diversity. Consul General Chen Shijie addressed the audience, commending the enthusiastic participation of students from the Auckland region and emphasised the importance of learning the Chinese language in fostering cultural understanding and strengthening ties between New Zealand and China.

Patrick English, shared his personal journey of learning Chinese as a second language. He highlighted how this experience had contributed not only to his personal growth but also to his career development. “Studying other languages helps New Zealanders to go out and benefits the growth of this country economically and culturally. Chinese is one of those other critically important languages,” said Pat.

Franky Wang, expressed pride in sponsoring the annual event for the last few years and emphasised BNZ’s commitment to promoting second language learning and cultural diversity in schools across New Zealand.

First prize winner, Colden Sapir from ACG Parnell College, shared his winning speech and also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition and highlighted the positive impact that learning Chinese has had on his academic journey and personal development. “I encourage all Chinese language learners to keep pursuing your dream in Chinese and be persistent. Your hard work will pay off, and you are living up to your youth,” said Sapir.

As the prize-giving ceremony was only a few days after the Dragon Boat Festival, the Institute incorporated elements of this much-celebrated and long-standing Chinese Festival to add a taste of culture and an air of festivity to the day. Attendees were treated to Chinese performances and zongzi, a traditional rice dumpling eaten at this time of the year, making it a double celebratory event enjoyed by all.