Newsletter articles for Term 2 include ¨Bringing Mandarin and Culture to Greymouth¨ Written by Hui Jin & Anran Lan, Mandarin Language Assistants, John Paul II High School "A Transformative Spring Camp in China: Language, Culture, and Growth" Written by Daisy Jing Xu, Chinese Teacher, Pakuranga College "A Cultural Bridge Between Chinese and New Zealand Communities" Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle.
Written by Hui Jin & Anran Lan, Mandarin Language Assistants, John Paul II High School
We have been delivering Mandarin language education and cultural experiences to primary and high schools in Greymouth since the end of February. Through dynamic teaching approaches that emphasize focused instruction with plenty of practice, students are able to learn Mandarin while having fun.
Our language classes are integrated with cultural activities such as traditional Chinese baking and hands-on projects that help students connect language with culture. At the primary school level, students participate in a variety of cultural experiences, including designing their own blue-and-white porcelain-style paper plates, competing in chopstick games, and learning Tai Chi. These activities offer students a close-up experience of Chinese traditions in an interactive environment.
In addition to student programs, we also provide Mandarin language courses for school staff, allowing local educators to gain a systematic understanding of the language and develop deeper insight into contemporary China.
Through these efforts, we aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and build lasting connections between China and New Zealand.
A Transformative Spring Camp in China: Language, Culture, and Growth
Written by Daisy Jing Xu, Chinese Teacher, Pakuranga College
Picture 1: Visit to CLEC
Picture 2: Wearing Hanfu at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Picture 3: Experiencing China’s imperial examination at Bailu Academy
Picture 4: Performing waist drum dance
In April 2025, 30 students from Onehunga High School, Pakuranga College, and Rosehill College, accompanied by three teachers, participated in a two-week spring camp in China. This extraordinary opportunity was made possible through the support of the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation and the Tui Tuia Learning Circle, aiming to provide students with an immersive language and cultural exchange experience.
Each day began with focused Mandarin lessons, where students learned essential phrases for greetings, directions, ordering food, and online shopping. They applied these skills while exploring major landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Lotus Market, Xi’an’s City Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Shaanxi History Museum. Students confidently handled tasks such as purchasing tickets, budgeting for souvenirs, and trying local street foods like roujiamo.
In the afternoons, students joined hands-on workshops at Minzu University of China and Xi’an International Studies University. Activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, drumming, Tai Chi, and clay modeling deepened their appreciation of Chinese traditions and further enhanced their language skills.
Beyond language and culture, the camp also nurtured important life skills. Students managed daily budgets, took responsibility for their laundry, maintained punctuality, and led evening reflections in Mandarin, promoting independence, teamwork, and leadership.
Cultural exchange was a highlight of both the opening and closing ceremonies, where students performed Māori songs alongside Chinese classics such as Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), Gesheng yu Weixiao (Singing with a Smile), and Peng You (Friends), as well as traditional Chinese dances, celebrating the heritage of both New Zealand and China.
The group returned to Auckland with renewed confidence, cultural awareness, and a greater passion for learning Mandarin. We sincerely thank the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation and the Tui Tuia Learning Circle for making this transformative journey possible, and we look forward to future exchanges.
A Cultural Bridge Between Chinese and New Zealand Communities
Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Dragon boat racing an ancient Chinese tradition, has become a lively and colourful part of New Zealand’s cultural scene. Although it doesn’t come from Māori or early European traditions, it’s a great example of how people from different backgrounds share and celebrate culture together in Aotearoa.
This exciting sport began over 2000 years ago in southern China, originally as a way to honour the rain gods and later to remember the poet Qu Yuan. In modern times, dragon boat racing became popular around the world after being revived in Hong Kong in 1976. It arrived in New Zealand in the 1980s and has grown steadily since, with communities across the country enjoying both the fun and teamwork it brings.
While dragon boats are different from traditional Māori waka, both involve groups of people paddling in unison and show the power of working together. In Māori culture, the waka is a strong symbol of kotahitanga—collaboration and unity. The teamwork needed to move a waka forward mirrors the same spirit found in dragon boat racing. These shared values help make the sport feel meaningful and familiar in a New Zealand setting.
Each year, Wellington host exciting dragon boat festivals that bring people together from all walks of life. If you're in the Wellington area, you can join the fun by watching the races or even signing up to race in the future. To find out more, visit www.dragonboatfestival.org.nz
Classroom Activity Suggestion: Students can create their own mini dragon boats using pool noodles by following this fun and easy video below
Once the boats are ready, they can race them by blowing across water in a tray or on a table.
This activity supports creativity, teamwork, and cultural learning playfully and memorably. Dragon boat racing in New Zealand is more than a sport—it’s a celebration of diversity, cooperation, and cultural connection.
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2025 - Chinese - Term 2 Newsletter Articles
Bringing Mandarin and Culture to Greymouth
Written by Hui Jin & Anran Lan, Mandarin Language Assistants, John Paul II High School
We have been delivering Mandarin language education and cultural experiences to primary and high schools in Greymouth since the end of February. Through dynamic teaching approaches that emphasize focused instruction with plenty of practice, students are able to learn Mandarin while having fun.
Our language classes are integrated with cultural activities such as traditional Chinese baking and hands-on projects that help students connect language with culture. At the primary school level, students participate in a variety of cultural experiences, including designing their own blue-and-white porcelain-style paper plates, competing in chopstick games, and learning Tai Chi. These activities offer students a close-up experience of Chinese traditions in an interactive environment.
In addition to student programs, we also provide Mandarin language courses for school staff, allowing local educators to gain a systematic understanding of the language and develop deeper insight into contemporary China.
Through these efforts, we aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and build lasting connections between China and New Zealand.
A Transformative Spring Camp in China: Language, Culture, and Growth
Written by Daisy Jing Xu, Chinese Teacher, Pakuranga College
Picture 1: Visit to CLEC
Picture 2: Wearing Hanfu at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Picture 3: Experiencing China’s imperial examination at Bailu Academy
Picture 4: Performing waist drum dance
In April 2025, 30 students from Onehunga High School, Pakuranga College, and Rosehill College, accompanied by three teachers, participated in a two-week spring camp in China. This extraordinary opportunity was made possible through the support of the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation and the Tui Tuia Learning Circle, aiming to provide students with an immersive language and cultural exchange experience.
Each day began with focused Mandarin lessons, where students learned essential phrases for greetings, directions, ordering food, and online shopping. They applied these skills while exploring major landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Lotus Market, Xi’an’s City Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Shaanxi History Museum. Students confidently handled tasks such as purchasing tickets, budgeting for souvenirs, and trying local street foods like roujiamo.
In the afternoons, students joined hands-on workshops at Minzu University of China and Xi’an International Studies University. Activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, drumming, Tai Chi, and clay modeling deepened their appreciation of Chinese traditions and further enhanced their language skills.
Beyond language and culture, the camp also nurtured important life skills. Students managed daily budgets, took responsibility for their laundry, maintained punctuality, and led evening reflections in Mandarin, promoting independence, teamwork, and leadership.
Cultural exchange was a highlight of both the opening and closing ceremonies, where students performed Māori songs alongside Chinese classics such as Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), Gesheng yu Weixiao (Singing with a Smile), and Peng You (Friends), as well as traditional Chinese dances, celebrating the heritage of both New Zealand and China.
The group returned to Auckland with renewed confidence, cultural awareness, and a greater passion for learning Mandarin. We sincerely thank the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation and the Tui Tuia Learning Circle for making this transformative journey possible, and we look forward to future exchanges.
A Cultural Bridge Between Chinese and New Zealand Communities
Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Dragon boat racing an ancient Chinese tradition, has become a lively and colourful part of New Zealand’s cultural scene. Although it doesn’t come from Māori or early European traditions, it’s a great example of how people from different backgrounds share and celebrate culture together in Aotearoa.
This exciting sport began over 2000 years ago in southern China, originally as a way to honour the rain gods and later to remember the poet Qu Yuan. In modern times, dragon boat racing became popular around the world after being revived in Hong Kong in 1976. It arrived in New Zealand in the 1980s and has grown steadily since, with communities across the country enjoying both the fun and teamwork it brings.
While dragon boats are different from traditional Māori waka, both involve groups of people paddling in unison and show the power of working together. In Māori culture, the waka is a strong symbol of kotahitanga—collaboration and unity. The teamwork needed to move a waka forward mirrors the same spirit found in dragon boat racing. These shared values help make the sport feel meaningful and familiar in a New Zealand setting.
Each year, Wellington host exciting dragon boat festivals that bring people together from all walks of life. If you're in the Wellington area, you can join the fun by watching the races or even signing up to race in the future. To find out more, visit www.dragonboatfestival.org.nz
Classroom Activity Suggestion: Students can create their own mini dragon boats using pool noodles by following this fun and easy video below
Once the boats are ready, they can race them by blowing across water in a tray or on a table.
This activity supports creativity, teamwork, and cultural learning playfully and memorably. Dragon boat racing in New Zealand is more than a sport—it’s a celebration of diversity, cooperation, and cultural connection.
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