Rotorua celebrates NZ Chinese Language Week and builds bridges

A multicultural celebration aims to share people's new skills and build bridges between locals and newcomers.

A NZ Chinese Language Week celebration is being held tomorrow, 12pm to 2pm, at the Discovery Space in Rotorua Library.

The celebration will include a light shared lunch, costumes, language activities and crafts.

Organiser and hostee Waitsu Wu said there would be speeches, Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting.

She said speeches would be made by people who had been learning Mandarin, with this giving them an occasion to practice.

"There are quite a few in the community who have been learning for years and are too scared to speak out. It encourages them to practice."

There will be some traditional Chinese food but people should bring a plate of food to share, she said.

Wu said it was important to build a bridge for newcomers to New Zealand with local people.

She said it was also important for local people to know how to approach migrants.

Rotorua Library director Jane Gilbert said Te Aka Mauri was a community space and was used by various community groups and members of the public.

"Last week we celebrated Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, this week we are hosting NZ Chinese Language Week celebrations.

"Rotorua's multicultural group meets in the library monthly and this is a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity in our community.

"Celebrating diversity and different cultures brings understanding, and enables people to communicate with each other and share experiences."

It is free and no booking is required.

The details
- What: NZ Chinese Language Week Celebration
- When: Sunday September 23, 12pm to 2pm
- Where: Discovery Space, Rotorua Library
- Cost: Free, no booking required