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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Bishop Lafaele-Pucher
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
Approximately 3 years ago. My dedication to lion dance and from that, grew my love for the Chinese language itself.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Being able to converse with my Chinese friends and being able to perform lion dance at events.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
To compete in the bridge competition and to get invited to go to parliament.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
It opens up pathways, and it is a powerful tool for future professional success, cultural connections, and economic opportunities
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
Practice your tones, like you are practicing musical scales
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
太酷了 because my Chinese mate loves to say it
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Isabella Gollan
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I started hearing Chinese when I was two, because I had a Chinese nanny - I knew counting to ten and greetings. When I was 8 years old, my family moved overseas, and I learnt Chinese for a year. In Year 10 I picked it up again, and although it is hard, I have lots of fun. I have been fortunate to have several dedicated and supportive teachers over the years. My parents inspired me to take the language because learning another language is such a good way to relate to other people, and Chinese is a useful language for business.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
My recent Chinese language learning journey has not been defined by any sudden realisation, but I have been slowly chipping away at learning the language. Studying Chinese is hard but it has been really rewarding as I have begun to understand more and more. I enjoy being able to use Chinese colloquially to attempt to talk to my friends, and it's so cool when they say something that I didn't understand previously, but now I do!
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
I have lived in countries where I have not been able to speak the language, and so I know the value of being able to communicate in a language that's not my own. Learning a language takes bravery because you have to take risks, and it's very unlikely that you will get it right the first time. As a result of learning Chinese, I had the opportunity to participate in the Chinese Bridge Speech competition. It was really cool to see and hear other non-native speakers my age. I also have the opportunity to go with my school to Shànghǎi in 2027, for the first time. I'm looking forward to being immersed in the language, developing my conversational skills and putting my hard work into practice.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
I think that understanding other languages is a key aspect to understand any culture and the way people think. Many of my friends are bilingual. Not only do I think this is really cool, but it also allows them to connect with people on a deeper level. As well as this China is a large global player, and roughly 1.4 billion people speak variations of Chinese across the globe, so by learning Chinese, you open up your world to be able to connect with so many more people in many different countries.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
Be brave in learning this language - people, for the most part, are delighted that you have even attempted to learn their language. Try to practice as often as you can, with lots of different people. Do not wait until you are "good enough". If you are going to learn a language, the best time to use it is now!
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
My favourite phrase is “加油‘ Jiāyóu. It's like an encouragement to keep going. I like it because it sounds nice but also has a playful meaning. My teacher, friends, and family use it to motivate me.
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Lucy Singleton
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I took my first Chinese class in 2022, but this was only for around 1 month as we rotated through the different languages at my school. I found that it was my favourite language of all of the ones we got to try out, and so I decided to continue taking it from 2023 onwards. Although I only got to take it for one semester each in year 9 and 10, in that time I was able to learn about the culture, which led to my growing passion for learning the language -- to connect with them on a deeper level. With so many different festivals and folklore - like the story of the 12 zodiacs - it's difficult not to be intrigued! I was also given opportunities to sing Chinese songs even before I learnt the language, and once I started learning, it was so fun to figure out that I knew what I was singing (not just through reading translations).
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
A rewarding part of my language learning journey was being selected to go on a scholarship trip to China and seeing the excited looks on people's faces when they realise I can speak their language (even if I'm not fluent).
Learning Chinese also got me into watching C-dramas, which was unexpected, but boosted my comprehension, and over time it's been great having to rely less and less on reading subtitles.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Going to Parliament to sing at the opening of Chinese Language Week 2025, going on a scholarship trip to China in 2025, becoming closer with my Chinese friends by being able to communicate with them in their own language.
As a result of my Chinese speaking journey, I have decided to pursue studies in international relations; I hope to go for an exchange in China during university. I hope my language ability will open up more opportunities for me during this time.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
It is invaluable. There are so many degrees to which you can benefit from it, even if you don't intend on becoming fluent. Learning the language can start as a great way to gain insight into a new culture, which is important as New Zealand is such a multicultural country. It is also just really fun!!
Even looking forward, there are more and more opportunities in business that are going to arise if you can speak Chinese, as a result of the globalisation of the Chinese economy, so I think it is very beneficial.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
Practice every day, even if it's just a little bit. I try to listen to a short podcast every morning while I'm getting ready, or on the way to school, and this has helped to both expand my vocabulary and ensure the retention of vocab that I learn in school.
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
饮水思源
I like this expression because I think that too often, once people get to a point of success in their field, they get so caught up in being at the top that they forget to reflect on how, or more fittingly, who, got them there. I personally have been so lucky to have the support of my parents throughout my language journey, and even now they try to get me as many opportunities as possible. Sometimes when I am overwhelmed with balancing school and extra-curriculars like musical theatre, theatre, and leadership, as well as more recently competing in the Chinese Bridge competition and being invited to go to ceremonies and now becoming a NZCLW youth ambassador, it is easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about the generosity of all of the people that have been so spent their time and energy providing me with the amazing opportunities that I have right now. It is at times like these that this expression reminds me to be grateful for all of the support I have received.
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Merak Manze
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
When I was at primary school in Spain, one of my best friends was Chinese, and I was always amazed at the way he spoke to his parents while I couldn’t understand a word of what he was saying. It wasn’t until we moved to Barbados in 2016 that I started learning Chinese myself at the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies (UWI). When we returned to Spain, I tried to continue my Chinese, but it was hard because we lived on a small island called La Palma. Eventually, we found an owner of a Chinese restaurant who was impressed I knew some Chinese, so she agreed to teach my brother and me once a week. When my family came to New Zealand, we joined the Wellington Chinese Language School and at Hutt Valley High School I started taking Chinese as a subject.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The most rewarding part of my Chinese language learning journey would be when my family and I travelled to China last year, and I was able to talk to the locals in many different places in China and they were very impressed. The most unexpected part is probably how we were able to find Confucius institutes in many different parts of the world.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Being able to take part in Chinese activities such as Chinese New Year celebrations and the Chinese Bridge Speech Competition. Being able to meet new people in the Wellington Chinese community. I also enjoy being able to watch Chinese videos and movies and experience a whole different culture. I am hoping to be able to go to study in China in the future.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
There are a lot of reasons that all New Zealanders should consider learning Chinese. First of all, it is fun! OK, it is a lot of hard work too, but the sense of achievement when you start to understand and communicate is amazing. There are practical reasons too, such as the importance of China for our economy, the growing strength of China in IT and robotics, and the educational opportunities that exist in China. There is also the large and growing Chinese community here in New Zealand – meaning there are many opportunities to practise the language and enjoy Chinese cultural events.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
Although it is quite difficult at the beginning, when you understand the basics you can advance quite quickly. I would also say that you should grab every opportunity to listen to and speak Chinese. Don’t be embarrassed to practise the language; Chinese speakers really appreciate the effort you make.
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
My favourite Chinese expression is "千里之行，始于足下” (qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià), by Laozi. This expression perfectly describes the journey of learning Mandarin. It is a very long journey, but to begin, you have to learn a single word or expression, and little by little you get better at it.
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Quentin-Wade
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I started informally learning Chinese when I was in Year 7. My inspiration for learning Chinese has come from my close Chinese friends. We have so much in common, and learning Chinese has allowed us to understand each other even more.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The most rewarding part of my Chinese language learning journey comes from my ability to better understand other people. Whether it's a simple greeting or in-depth conversations, I find using Chinese to be a very good tool to connect with people on a deeper level.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
My Chinese speaking ability has opened many doors for me that I didn't ever expect to. Being able to travel to China and visit one of the seven wonders of the world is not something I thought I would experience at such a young age. I am truly grateful for where my Chinese journey has taken me, and I can't wait to explore this further.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
With China becoming ever more prevalent in modern society, learning Chinese is an invaluable skill that cannot be replaced by a translator. Having the ability to directly connect with the people you interact with is such a powerful tool that should be utilised fully.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
To the people who are thinking of taking up Chinese, I have one piece of advice. The task of learning an entirely new language may seem impossible. But with only 10 minutes a day, you would be surprised by how much, and how quickly you can learn it.
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
I enjoy many Chinese expressions. One expression that I enjoy is ”一箭双雕。” I enjoy this specific expression because it perfectly captures my efficiency-focused personality.
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Samantha Mortlock
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I began learning Chinese this year, and I was inspired to learn because I have always been extremely fascinated by China. Growing up, the Chinese language and culture was always something I found interesting and I always wanted to be a part of it. My final push to start learning was my sister who started learning Chinese at university; she encouraged me to chase my dreams of learning Chinese just like her.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Learning Chinese has certainly been a journey for me. Because I have only been learning for a year, I greatly struggled to keep up with my classmates but the most rewarding part of learning Chinese has been the people I have met while learning. My teachers, my classmates, and other Chinese language learners have all been so kind and welcoming to me. Even when I have been struggling, everyone is so willing to help and that to me has been the most rewarding part of learning Chinese.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
There have been so many opportunities that have opened up for me by learning Chinese, but my favourite has most definitely been the trip to China I took with my school. I took my trip in the beginning of April this year, and it truly was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to visit Shanghai, Beijing, and Wuyuan, and I participated in many fun activities such as climbing the Great Wall, making pottery, and learning about Chinese Traditional Medicine. Additionally, getting to do the speech competition was really fun and challenging. The speech competition put my Mandarin skills to the test and forced me to be a better language learner.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
I believe other New Zealanders should learn Chinese for many reasons, but one I find the most important is simply for furthering education. While learning Chinese, I found a feeling of satisfaction that I had never felt while learning anything else. Additionally, learning Chinese is very useful, especially in New Zealand, as we have a large Chinese population and being able to communicate is extremely helpful.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
One tip I found very helpful to becoming more fluent in Chinese is immersing yourself in Chinese culture, such as visiting local Chinese restaurants, watching Chinese shows, and learning about traditional Chinese stories or practices. This helped me further my speaking abilities but also connect closer with the language I was learning.
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
My favourite Chinese phrase is "世上无难事只怕有心人" because it reminds me to never give up and keep persisting so I will achieve my dreams.
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Vanessa Banda Lozano
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I began learning Chinese in Year 9, and have grown a deep appreciation and interest in the language since. I chose Chinese because, out of my options, it seemed most interesting, and learning the language has been such an extraordinary experience.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey. What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Learning Chinese has had its hardships, as learning any new language does, but overall the opportunities it has given me are ones I am forever grateful for. The most rewarding part of learning Chinese would be the ability to connect and communicate with a whole new group of people while also learning about the values, history, and traditions of Chinese culture.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Learning Chinese has given me many opportunities. Some experiences include participating in the Chinese Bridge speech competition, and I even had the chance to visit China in 2025 with my school. Not only has learning Chinese given me experiences, but it has also allowed me to dream of a bigger future expanding myself to wider horizons.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese?
I think New Zealanders should learn Chinese to become more open-minded and open themselves up to new experiences and opportunities.
Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese?
My biggest tip for anyone thinking about taking up Chinese is to just do it. You will for sure miss any opportunity you don't take, so you might as well step outside your comfort zone and try something new. And I would say learning Chinese is a very rewarding experience.
Do you have a favourite Chinese word or expression? Why do you like it?
My favorite Chinese expression is “只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针.” It means that if you work hard and stay determined, even something very difficult can be achieved. I like this saying because it reminds me to never give up when things feel difficult and to stay focused and determined even when things get hard.