London, UK – September 1, 2025
New Zealand is marking its 11th annual Chinese Language Week, a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture and language that aims to bridge the linguistic and cultural gap between the two nations. The week, which runs from August 31 to September 6, features a wide range of events across the country, from calligraphy workshops to bilingual story times and public talks. The initiative is a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with China and promoting a more diverse and globally engaged society.
Headlines:
* Cultural Connections: New Zealand Chinese Language Week Promotes Understanding and Diversity.
* From Parliament to Libraries: Events Across the Country Mark the 11th Annual Celebration.
* Building Global Skills: Initiative Aims to Enhance Language Abilities for Business and Community.
* A ‘Kiwi-Driven’ Initiative: Week Aims to Make Chinese Language Learning Fun and Accessible.
The New Zealand Chinese Language Week (NZCLW) is a “Kiwi-driven” initiative, and this year’s celebration kicked off with an opening ceremony at Parliament in Wellington. The event honored “language superstars” and teachers who have shown a strong commitment to promoting Chinese language learning. The week’s purpose, as stated by Jo Coughlan, chair of the NZCLW Trust, is to enhance skills, foster community diversity, and support New Zealand’s global engagement through language and cultural understanding.
Throughout the week, communities across New Zealand are hosting a variety of events. Libraries in major cities like Wellington and Christchurch are holding bilingual story times and exhibitions of student work. There are also hands-on cultural activities, such as Chinese flower arranging workshops in Tauranga and traditional medicine experiences in Blenheim. These events, many of which are free and open to the public, are designed to encourage New Zealanders of all ages to engage with the Chinese language and culture.
The initiative also has a serious purpose beyond cultural celebration. Leaders from business and government have emphasized the importance of language skills for New Zealand’s economic future. Learning Chinese is seen as a crucial step for businesses and exporters seeking to thrive on the global stage, especially in a market as significant as China. The week provides practical resources and support to help New Zealanders take their first steps toward learning the language.
The NZCLW is the first of its kind in a Western country, and it has successfully become a popular event in the national calendar, with schools, government officials, and business owners participating.
