Successful first NZCLW lays foundation for future

Successful first NZCLW lays foundation for future

The first-ever New Zealand Chinese Language Week came to a colourful conclusion today (Sunday 13 September 2015) with a celebration of Chinese culture and dance at Te Papa in Wellington.

Co-chair for the New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust Jo Coughlan said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the profile the first-ever New Zealand Chinese Language Week has achieved. There has been a fantastic array of activities around the country.

“New Zealanders have really taken up the challenge of giving Mandarin a go.

“We’ve had Rotary clubs saying grace in Mandarin, Chinese Immersion Days at schools, and universities and libraries around the country offering everything from Chinese film nights to Tai Chi and Mandarin story-times for children.

“Nelson City held a dedicated China Week, Hamilton held a talent show, Taiwanese acrobats and culture classes. In Wellington there were free Mandarin tours at Te Papa and the Chinese Garden in Dunedin had Chinese film screenings and story telling throughout the week.

“A great foundation has been set for the future. New Zealand Chinese Language Week can only grow from here to become a very popular and celebrated annual event.”

Co-chair of the NZCLW trust Raymond Huo whole-heartedly agrees: “We started with a very successful launch at Wellington East Girls’ College on Monday by Minister Parata and video of support by the Prime Minister. Since the launch we have had great interest and support for this initiative. Thank you to our partners, sponsors, government and media for helping to generate such a positive response.

“The week has really helped increase awareness of ways New Zealanders might learn Chinese language and the importance of preparing our future generations for an era that is increasingly influenced by Chinese and Asian economies.

“For the first time in New Zealand’s history, we are dependent on a non-English speaking country for our country’s long-term economic wellbeing. New Zealand Chinese Language Week has been established to make kiwis more familiar with China and its people, enhance cultural understanding and linguistic communication so we can actively participate in the growth and prosperity of asia into the future."

Councillor Coughlan flew back from China early to make the NZCLW closing event. She has been in Xiamen, Wellington’s sister city, and Beijing with a large delegation of New Zealand civic and business leaders who are working to strengthen relations between both cities and countries.

Special guests to the cultural performance at Te Papa on Sunday by Huazhong University of Science & Technology Art Troupe – “The Far East Yangtze River”, which was also open to the public, included: Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Wang Lutong; Internal Affairs Minister and Leader of United Future, Hon Peter Dunne; Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Little; MPs and Wellington City Councillors.

More information see: www.nzclw.com
ENDS

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