Spring Festival Archives - Confucius Institute Helping to foster lasting relationships between New Zealand and China Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:11:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://ci.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/favicon.png Spring Festival Archives - Confucius Institute 32 32 210480186 Celebrating the Year of the Horse https://ci.ac.nz/celebrating-the-year-of-the-horse/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:11:37 +0000 https://ci.ac.nz/?p=13372 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 Celebrating the Year of the Horse appeared first on Confucius Institute.

]]>

Celebrating the Year of the Horse

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.

The post Celebrating the Year of the Horse appeared first on Confucius Institute.

]]> 13372