14 March – As autumn settled across Auckland, the Confucius Institute hosted its 2026 Mid-March Workshop for Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs), bringing together volunteers from across the wider Auckland region for three and a half days of learning, reflection, and connection.

The programme combined practical teaching insights with collaborative activities. Sessions focused on classroom experience, with MLAs reflecting on their school placements and sharing ideas for strengthening their teaching. A session led by Tantan Xu (Glendowie College) offered a valuable secondary school perspective, followed by group discussions and presentations that encouraged peer learning and professional growth.

A highlight of the workshop was the outdoor team-building day in Puhoi Village. The group visited the Puhoi Historical Museum to learn about the early Bohemian settlers, enjoyed lunch at the historic Puhoi Pub, and then took part in a kayaking activity along the Puhoi River. The day provided a memorable opportunity to connect, unwind, and experience a unique part of New Zealand together.

The final morning focused on the broader role of language teachers, exploring core values, the emotional dimensions of teaching, and pathways to becoming a registered teacher in New Zealand.

Overall, the workshop was a meaningful and enriching experience, equipping MLAs with new insights, practical strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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!