你好 Nǐ hăo!

The countdown is on! We’re six weeks away from New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2026, and we can’t wait for the celebrations to begin. It’s always wonderful to see the exciting events and activities that are held around the country. 

Remember, NZCLW2026 is earlier this year, running from 29 June to 5 July. If you’re planning something special for the week, don’t forget to let us know! 

We are excited to announce this year’s FREE Chinese Film Screening! 

The highest-grossing 2D Chinese animated film in history, from the creators of the hit series Yao-Chinese Folktales, Nobody (2025) is a stunning 2D ink-wash animated feature that reimagines the classic Journey to the West through the eyes of the underdogs.  

Nobody will be shown in three cities this year: 

• Auckland’s Hoyts Sylvia Park on Tuesday, June 30 at 6.30 pm 

• Wellington’s Embassy Cinema on Saturday, July 4 at 6.30 pm 

• Christchurch’s Hoyts Riccarton on Tuesday, 30 June at 6.30 pm 

Seats are limited and expected to fill quickly. Advance bookings are available now, and additional door allocations will also be available on the night, subject to capacity. 

Pre-orders are open for this year’s annual tri-lingual book. Every year, the NZCLW Trust prints and distributes a children’s picture book in English, Te Reo Māori, and Chinese. The book is sent free of charge to schools, libraries and councils throughout the country.

This years’ book, Hauraki Broo, is written and illustrated by award-winning Kiwi children’s author Nikki Slade Robinson and follows the journey of a young Bryde’s whale navigating his way in waters around Auckland.  

The book will be distributed in print form in early June, and an audiobook in English, Te Reo, Mandarin and Cantonese will also be available online. The recording was done by New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trustee, Nancy Lu.  

The Trust also extends special thanks to Hazel Shao and Vivienne So for translation support with Mandarin and Cantonese. 

From arts and crafts to musical performances, we love seeing communities celebrate New Zealand Chinese Language Week in fun and creative ways. If you’re planning something special — whether it’s a public event or a private celebration — don’t forget to register it with us and tag #NZCLW2026 when sharing on social media! 

A book reading is also a wonderful way to bring students, families, and communities together. If you’re interested in hosting a New Zealand Chinese Language Week book reading, find out more below. 

Another way you can take part as a business or organisation is to provide a video of support for New Zealand Chinese Language Week – you can make it as big or as relaxed a production as you like!

We’ve had some great contributions in the past, ranging from the Prime Minister to The Remarkable’s ski resort. There have been great videos from school and university students, as well as their teachers.

If you’d like to send in a video, email the team at nzclw@nzclw.com  

We want to wish all the best to students taking part in the Chinese Bridge speech competitions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch over the next two weeks. The Chinese Bridge Competition is an annual proficiency contest for students to showcase their Chinese language skills and cultural knowledge through speeches, talent performances, and Q&A sessions.

The winners of the competition’s senior categories will be nominated for a place in our Youth Ambassadors programme which includes receiving a national NZCLW award at the NZCLW  Opening  Ceremony at Parliament. 

Jiā yóu! 加油 

New Zealand Chinese Language Week would not be possible without all the support from sponsors, schools, libraries, businesses, and communities around New Zealand – it’s fantastic!  

We’re always looking for more input - if you or your organisation would like to support NZCLW, please get in touch with the team to discuss what you can do to help: nzclw@nzclw.com  

We love to hear about what you have planned to celebrate New Zealand Chinese Language Week. Don’t forget to let us know so that we can add them to our website: www.nzclw.com  

Make sure you follow and subscribe to our social media. It’s a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening with NZCLW and to see, post, and share your own and others’ events and activities.