M A N D A R I N S U P E R S T A R
M A N D A R I N S U P E R S T A R
M A N D A R I N S U P E R S T A R
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Kien Ngo
2 years ago, Kien Ngo began learning Chinese in an unexpected place, not a classroom, but a Chinese takeaway during his part-time job. He noticed how even a few words could completely change interactions with coworkers, shifting them from distant to warm. Through this experience, he realised that language goes beyond words; it is a key that unlocks belonging. Motivated by this, he committed to studying 普通话 and, within 24 months, achieved HSK levels 1 through 4.
Anton Rayner
Anton Rayner loves the way learning Chinese acts as an immediate icebreaker and bridge to others Chinese people — of whom there are many all over the world. Running language exchange programmes in Wellington, he meets new people often, and although they already know he speaks some Mandarin, they are still unfailingly surprised and eager to get to know each other better. As an active member of Wellington’s Chinese language learning community, Anton says he now receives opportunities every day, including being offered a job last month at a Chinese restaurant on Courtenay Place.
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sARAH STEWART
Sarah began learning Chinese in 2019 and quickly dedicated herself to the language, later even picking up Korean as well. Through learning Mandarin, she has made friendships and professional connections, helped with delegations from China, and become a board member of the NZ China Friendship Society.
Thanks to studying Chinese, Sarah has also had two opportunities to travel to China — first through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship to Asia in 2023, and more recently through winning the South Island Chinese Bridge Competition. For Sarah, the language has taught her a lot about herself and helped her grow through the experiences it has given her.
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Irina Dolinnaia
Irina started learning Chinese as a hobby and soon fell in love with the language, culture, and country. She especially loves the hidden meanings and wisdom of the generations that you get through learning Chinese.
Through the language, Irina received a scholarship to study in China, gained opportunities to work in Singapore and China, and got her first job mainly because Chinese was an advantage for the overseas procurement role. She says learning Chinese changed both her life and career.
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Alyna Abellanosa
Alyna started learning Chinese at university at 18 and later returned to it with even more enthusiasm after discovering a love for languages. Inspired by Chinese dramas, music, and cultural festivals, Alyna found herself warmly welcomed by Chinese-speaking friends.
For Alyna, learning Chinese has been about connection, both with people and culture. Through the language, she has attended higher-intermediate classes in China, connected with more people, and helped Chinese international students settle in by acting as a guide and helping hand.
Miranda Ojansivu Underhill
Miranda was born in Beijing and raised speaking Mandarin with her ayi, making Chinese a natural part of everyday life throughout her childhood in Asia. Since moving to New Zealand, she has continued learning Chinese both inside and outside of school to keep her Chinese culture alive.
For Miranda, the best part of learning Chinese is the ability to connect more deeply with people she wouldn’t usually be able to if she only spoke English. Through the language, she has attended cultural events such as NZCLW, won the junior Chinese Bridge Speech Competition in 2023, showcased her calligraphy, and helped tour visiting principals from China by explaining how her school functions in Chinese.
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George Richard Baggott
George started learning Chinese in Year 9 after hearing great things about both the language and the teacher. Inspired by his Chinese teachers over the years, he found learning Chinese both rewarding and deeply connecting.
For George, learning Chinese has created countless connections with people from all backgrounds, all connected by the Chinese language. He has had the opportunity to take part in various Chinese competitions, including winning the “My China Story” video competition in 2025, which gave him the chance to travel to China. George says the possibilities that come with learning Chinese are endless, with one of his most memorable experiences being a 2024 school trip to China to experience the culture firsthand.