你好 Nǐ hăo!

Welcome to the latest update from New Zealand Chinese Language Week!

With celebrations fast approaching (31 August - 6 September), we’re excited to share what’s coming up, and spotlight some of the incredible people and initiatives bringing NZCLW 2025 to life.

In this newsletter, meet our inspiring Language Superstars, catch up on highlights from the National Language Forum, and find out how you can get involved in this year’s celebrations, from events and resources to fun, dumpling-filled moments across the country.

There is something for everyone, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Chinese Film Screenings

We’re excited to offer complimentary screenings of the Chinese-language film “Her Story”. As a strong representation of female voices in Chinese cinema, Her Story is both emotionally resonant and socially conscious. In addition to Auckland and Wellington, we are bringing “Her Story” to Christchurch and Dunedin venues this year too.

Directed by acclaimed female filmmaker Shao Yihui, Her Story is a contemporary urban dramedy that follows the unlikely friendship between Wang Tiemei, a single mother juggling work and motherhood, and her outspoken neighbour, Xiao Ye.

These screenings are made possible thanks to the Ministry for Ethnic Communities’ support from their Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

Limited availability, secure your ticket now!

Screening dates and locations

• Wellington – Penthouse Cinema

  5 September | 5.45pm arrival, 6.00pm film start

  Cinema 1

• Dunedin – Rialto Cinema

  6 September | 7.30pm arrival, 7.45pm film start

  Cinema 1

• Auckland – HOYTS, Sylvia Park

  6 September | 6.00pm arrival, 6.30pm film start

  Cinema 5

  
  

• Christchurch – HOYTS, Northlands (6 Sept)

  6 September | 6.00pm arrival, 6.30pm film start

  Cinema 3

How To Order, Listen, and Get Involved!

This is the eighth year a tri-lingual children’s picture book has been published and distributed free-of-charge to schools and libraries around the country. NZCLW is delighted this year to be publishing Birdsong, written by Maris O’Rourke, illustrated by Claudia Pond Eyley, with Te Reo translation by Stephanie Huriana Fong, and Chinese translation support from Hazel Shao and Vivienne So.

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 available for Pre-Order

Birdsong will be available mid-late August, but in the meantime, you can pre-order on our website! The audio book version will also be available soon, so keep an eye out on our social media for updates.

Host a Book Reading

During the week, communities, schools, and organisations across Aotearoa are encouraged to host book readings to share in the celebrations through storytelling. It’s a simple but powerful way to engage tamariki and whānau in the spirit of the week, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

If you’d like to host a reading during New Zealand Chinese Language Week, click the button below to learn how to get involved. We provide everything you need, including a free copy of the book and printable resources!

Alternatively, 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.

Join the Celebrations!

New Zealand Chinese Language Week would not exist without all the fantastic celebrations nationwide.

Already planning to celebrate Dumpling Day or host a book reading — or maybe you have something else in mind? From language-themed morning teas to art exhibitions, music, cultural displays, and more, we welcome all kinds of community-led events that celebrate Chinese language and culture.

If you're planning something special, we’d love to hear about it and help share it with our wider NZCLW community.

Take part in our Dumpling celebrations!

Everyone loves a good dumpling, and National Dumpling Day (26 September) is your chance to celebrate creativity, culture, and connection through food. Whether you’re a restaurant, food lover, school, or business, Dumpling Week (19–28 September) offers something for everyone.

🍽 RestaurantsJoin our Design-A-Dumpling Competition by creating a one-off dumpling special to serve during Dumpling Week. We’ll promote your dish, and diners will vote for their favourites. The winning restaurant receives a monetary prize and national media exposure! Register your restaurant here.

🥢 Food LoversTaste your way around Aotearoa by trying the limited-edition dumplings on offer! Vote for your favourites and go in the draw to win prizes — from the north to the south, there’s a dumpling adventure waiting. You can also nominate your favourite restaurants to take part.

🏠 Families, Schools and WorkplacesCelebrate Dumpling Day your own way — host a dumpling tasting, run a dumpling-making session, decorate your classroom or office, the options are endless. We’d love to see how you get involved!

Don’t forget to share your celebration by tagging #DumplingDay2025, and keep an eye on our website to see participating restaurants and related events near you.

Announcing our 2025 Language Superstars!

Chinese Language Superstars are a special part of New Zealand Chinese Language Week each year. They are people with some Chinese language skills – not necessarily fluent – but keen to share their language learning journey with others.

At a time when there are fewer and fewer languages being taught at schools and universities, it’s great to have encouragement to give Chinese language learning a go.

This year’s nine Chinese Language Superstars demonstrate the real-world value of learning Chinese - from education and business to arts, sport, and heritage.

What We Heard, Learned, and Shared at the Forum!

Language learning has been in concerning decline in New Zealand post-COVID. However, the language learning curriculum review currently underway provides a timely opportunity to embed second language learning more meaningfully into the education system. Now is the time to ensure every child in New Zealand receives the strongest possible educational foundation by making second language learning a core part of their schooling.

The New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust, along with the University of Auckland and the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers, held a forum in Auckland on 17th July to discuss opportunities and challenges in the language learning sector.

The event brought together over 100 participants and 22 speakers -  including education leaders, language experts, teachers, business representatives, and rangatahi - underscoring the national importance of language learning as a foundation for student success, cognitive development, cultural connection, and global engagement.

Recommendations for submission to the curriculum review are now being prepared, based on findings from the Forum, and will be made public during Chinese Language Week.  

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!