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NZCLW 2026: The Celebrations Begin!

New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2026 begins in just a few days, running from 29 June to 5 July.

We're looking forward to seeing schools, communities, businesses and organisations around the country celebrating Chinese language and culture in a wide variety of ways. From community events and language activities to free film screenings and awards, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

If you're planning an event and haven't yet registered it, there's still time to add it to the NZCLW website. Don't forget to check the events calendar to see what's happening near you.

And remember to share your celebrations online using #NZCLW2026.

The official New Zealand Chinese Language Week Opening Ceremony and Awards will be held at Parliament, 5.00-7.30pm on Tuesday 30 June.

The ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate language learning and cultural connection, recognising students, teachers, emerging leaders and others who are helping to grow Chinese language learning in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Teachers, students, families and supporters are warmly invited to attend. Guests will hear from inspiring young New Zealanders using Chinese in their studies and careers, and have the opportunity to connect with others from across the language-learning community.

Registrations are essential for parliamentary security - Registrations close 5 pm Friday 26 June so be in quick! 

Thank you for the tremendous response to this year's NZCLW free film screenings.

This year we are screening Nobody, the highest-grossing 2D animated film ever produced by a Chinese company. The film will be shown in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during NZCLW.

Due to popular demand, we have released a limited number of additional tickets. If you missed out earlier, we encourage you to check availability or join the waitlist.

If you're attending a screening, we'd love to see your photos.

Share them online using #NZCLWFilmScreening2026

We're delighted to this week launch the NZCLW Emerging Leaders Programme as part of New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2026. The programme brings together a group of outstanding NZCLW alumni, providing opportunities to connect with business, government and community leaders.

The inaugural cohort has already attracted strong interest from students and young professionals across the country, with participants this week attending the New Zealand China Business Summit in Auckland. We look forward to supporting these future leaders as they continue their Chinese journeys.

Every year, New Zealand Chinese Language Week publishes a tri-lingual children's picture book in English, Te Reo Māori and Chinese.

This year's book, Hauraki Broo, is now also available as an audiobook so you enjoy the story in English, Te Reo Māori, Mandarin and Cantonese, making it a valuable resource for schools, families and language learners. The audio can be accessed through a QR code on your copy of the book.

Printed copies of Hauraki Broo, along with selected books from previous years, are also available through the NZCLW online shop.

Each year, NZCLW recognises New Zealanders who have demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and achievement in Chinese language learning.

Congratulations to the seven people from around the country who have been selected as this year's Chinese Language Superstars:

• Alyna Abellanosa (Hamilton)

• George Baggott (Christchurch)

• Irina Dolinnaia (Auckland)

• Kien Ngo (Christchurch)

• Anton Rayner (Wellington)

• Sarah Stewart (Nelson)

• Miranda Ojansivu Underhill (Wellington)

While each has their own reasons for learning Chinese, they all share a passion for language learning and cultural connection!

Additional awards will be presented during the Opening Ceremony at Parliament.

The Chinese Language Teacher Awards recognise dedicated educators who inspire students every day and help grow Chinese language learning across New Zealand.

NZCLW will also celebrate this year's Youth Ambassadors – outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in Chinese language learning through programmes and competitions such as Chinese Bridge.

We look forward to recognising these talented and enthusiastic advocates for language learning.

Our new Junior Superstars initiative has also had a wonderful reception. Designed for younger Chinese language learners, particularly those under 16, the programme aims to recognise effort, progress, and excellence in Chinese language learning. 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have reached an incredible milestone this year, with 120 Junior Superstars across New Zealand officially nominated and celebrated! Huge congratulations to these 120 outstanding young learners. This is a fantastic reminder of the sheer number of young students across the country who are dedicated to learning Chinese.

Congratulations!

Interested in learning some Chinese yourself?

Our popular Useful Phrases booklets are available free on the NZCLW website. The resources include Mandarin and Cantonese phrases, alongside English and Te Reo Māori translations.

They're a great way to learn some everyday language and join in the celebrations during NZCLW.

The popular 5 Days, 5 Phrases Challenge is back for NZCLW 2026.

In the lead-up to the week, we'll be sharing a new phrase each day across our social media channels. It's a simple and fun way to learn some Chinese and take part in the celebrations.

Follow NZCLW on Facebook and Instagram for daily phrases, competition details and prize giveaways.

Whether you're attending an event, hosting a gathering, learning a new phrase, watching a film or simply supporting from afar, every contribution helps make New Zealand Chinese Language Week a success.

Thank you for being part of the celebrations. We look forward to seeing how you mark NZCLW 2026.

Don't forget to share your photos and activities online using #NZCLW2026.