City exposed to Chinese culture

A shared passion for Chinese language and a desire to collaborate will see more Hamiltonians exposed to Mandarin and encouraged to have a go at Chinese language in September.

New Zealand Chinese Language Week (NZCLW) will be celebrated on a national level for the first time from September 7-13.

During NZCLW, Hamilton can expect a colourful line-up of Chinese culture and language activities and events. Activities include free Mandarin lessons, traditional Chinese music performances, and a Chinese film night.

Hamilton will also be one of four locations in New Zealand to host a cultural performance by Huazhong University of Science and Technology Art Troupe on September 11, at the University of Waikato Academy of Performing Arts, at 7pm.

Working behind the scenes to bring NZCLW to life in Hamilton is a group of Waikato University and Wintec students. The group includes Campbell Gin, Candice Zhao and Sarah Thomson, from the University of Waikato Mandarin Corner, Lucas Wu, chairman of the Chinese Student Association of Waikato Region Incorporated, and Frank Wang, chairman of the Hamilton Chinese Student Association.

"We hope that through New Zealand Chinese Language events, we can create awareness of Chinese language, and inspire more Hamilton youth to take up the challenge of learning Mandarin," said group spokesperson Sarah Thomson, who is also on the national trust for NZCLW.

" Waikato Institute of Education is providing free Mandarin lessons to members of the community during the week. And Hillcrest High School is hosting an information evening on learning NCEA Mandarin for students and parents on September 2, 7pm at Hillcrest High School."

NZCLW will be celebrated during the second week of September each year to coincide with the Chinese Moon Festival. A number of events have been planned nationwide, including Chinese cultural performances, art exhibitions, language lessons on public broadcasting stations, language seminars, library corners, essay competitions and training courses for professionals.

The New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust was established in 2014 in the context of New Zealand's growing trade partnership with Asia, and aims to strengthen the relationship between New Zealand and China by enhancing cultural understanding and linguistic communication.

More information on NZCLW events in Hamilton can be found at nzclw.com or by visiting the Chinese Language Week - Hamilton 2015 Facebook page.