你好 Nǐ hăo, and welcome to NZCLW 2025!

We’re excited to bring you the latest update from the NZCLW team as preparations for this year’s celebrations are well underway!

Mark your calendars and get excited, NZCLW2025 is happening from Sunday, August 31 – Saturday, September 6.

There’s plenty in store as we gear up for another vibrant week of language, culture, and community, and we’d love to hear your ideas too! If you have suggestions for events or activities you'd like to see come to life during NZCLW 2025, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Each year we select Chinese Language Superstars, those who are keen to share their language learning journey with others.  

They don’t have to be fluent speakers - it’s about what led them to learn Chinese, how it benefits them, and the encouragement they can give to others to “give Chinese a go”.

If that sounds like you or someone else you know, register through the button below, or visit our website at to learn more!

Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future

Foreign language learning in New Zealand is facing a severe crisis, with fewer students studying languages now than at any point in the past century. 

The New Zealand Chinese Language Week (NZCLW) Trust, in partnership with the University of Auckland, is convening a national language forum to address this challenge. Language Learning for New Zealand’s Future is a one-day event on 17 July at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland, which will bring together experts and practitioners from education, business and industry, and government.  

With the Government's 2025 review of the foreign language curriculum, we have an opportunity to reshape the future of language education in New Zealand. A key outcome of the Forum will be producing a set of recommendations for submission to the curriculum review process.   

To learn more about the forum and register your attendance, please complete the form linked below.

Everyone loves a delicious dumpling! National Dumpling Day gives us all a good excuse to join with family and friends to celebrate cultural exchange through one of the most iconic Chinese foods: the humble dumpling.  

This year, restaurants and hospitality sector partners across New Zealand will again be creating unique new dumplings as part of our signature Design-A-Dumpling Competition. Previously, people from Auckland to Christchurch, and even the Chatham Islands took part. This year, Dumpling Day promises to be bigger and better than ever before!  

Click the button below to nominate a restaurant that you would love to take part in this year’s competition!

This year’s tri-lingual children’s book is Birdsong, written by Maris O’Rourke, illustrated by Claudia Pond Eyley, with Te Reo and Chinese translations by Stephanie Huriana Fong and Hazel Juechen Shao respectively.

Birdsong/He Korihi/鸟儿的歌 is a charming tri-lingual 1-10 counting book. It is beautifully illustrated with a mix of familiar native and introduced birds – just as Aotearoa has a mix of indigenous and immigrant peoples. 

Birdsong will be distributed free of charge to all school and council libraries leading up to the week.

Make sure you keep an eye out for book readings. To find out if one is being hosted in your local area, check our upcoming newsletters, or head to the events page on our website. Feel free to organise your own book readings and let us know how it goes too – we can’t wait for you to see, read, and listen to Birdsong! 

Invitation to New Zealander’s with Academic or

Study-Related Experience in China

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand is hosting a series of special receptions to honour New Zealanders who have undertaken academic or study-related experiences in China. These receptions are also open to those learning Chinese language or passionately engaged with Chinese culture.  

The first session is to be held from 6pm to 8pm on 26th June, 2025 at the 12th Floor of Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus of Victoria University of Wellington (address: 33 Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011). If you're unable to attend this event, additional sessions will be scheduled in other cities at later dates.

Secure your spot before 15th June by completing the registration form linked below. The formal invitation of the first session will be emailed after your registration, and details of future sessions will be emailed once confirmed.

Other Ways to Take Part

Become a sponsor, host an event, or simply stay in touch—we always love hearing your thoughts and ideas. 2025 is going to be a fantastic year for celebrating New Zealand Chinese Language Week!