Written by Ivy Ding, Chinese & Technology Teacher, Columba College.
On Tuesday, 24th September, Columba College proudly hosted a workshop for Chinese language teachers from across Otago.
The event was led by Dr. Fu, the Chinese National Language Adviser, who shared invaluable insights into how the ancient text, the Shuowen Jiezi, can elevate our teaching and take Chinese language instruction to the next level.
The Shuowen Jiezi, compiled in the Han dynasty, is the first comprehensive dictionary to analyze the forms and origins of Chinese characters. By breaking down characters into their fundamental elements and exploring their etymology, this text offers a rich resource for deepening one’s understanding of the Chinese writing system. Dr. Fu demonstrated how mastering the patterns and structures in the Shuowen Jiezi can help teachers enhance their character instruction and make the learning process more engaging for students.
During the workshop, teachers explored how to: • Grasp the core concepts of the Shuowen Jiezi and its significance in character formation. • Apply its teachings to enhance Chinese character instruction. • Design more effective quizzes and exercises that help students better understand the structure and meaning of characters.
This workshop has empowered Chinese teachers in the Otago region with fresh insights and practical tools to strengthen their classroom practice. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Fu for sharing his expertise and inspiring us to deepen our knowledge of the Chinese language.
Dongzhi - Winter Solstice
Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle.
As flowers blossom in New Zealand, the other side of the world is stepping into winter. One day I remember vividly from my childhood is the Winter Solstice, or Dongzhi. This special day occurs around the 21st or 22nd of December each year, and as part of the tradition, we eat Tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice ball soup).
Tangyuan, traditionally eaten during the Winter Solstice, symbolises reunion and harmony in Chinese culture. The round shape of the rice balls represents completeness and togetherness. Eating Tangyuan during this time signifies family unity, as we believe it brings good luck and cohesion as the days start to lengthen after the solstice. It's a way to welcome the return of light and warmth, marking the natural transition toward the new year and restoring balance.
While exploring the history of the Winter Solstice in Chinese culture, I was reminded of the shortest day in New Zealand—our Winter Solstice, which occurs on the 21st of June. Interestingly, shortly after this date, we also celebrate the Māori New Year, Matariki. Although the Winter Solstice is not widely celebrated in New Zealand, it holds special significance in Māori culture. The solstice aligns with Matariki, which honours the past and looks forward to new beginnings. It’s closely tied to the Māori agricultural cycle and the natural environment.
These two cultures, from opposite hemispheres, share similar themes but celebrate in unique ways. In China, Dongzhi focuses on family unity and preparation for the colder part of winter, while in New Zealand, Matariki connects to cultural heritage, harvest, and the beginning of the Māori New Year.
Both celebrations revolve around renewal, family, and a connection to the changing seasons, yet they are expressed through different cultural lenses and traditions.
Celebrating New Zealand Chinese Language Week
Written by Dr Yan Yang, Project Lead - CLEC at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle.
The CLEC Delegation Meeting with the Tui Tuia Learning Circle Team. The group photo includes Ms. Yuan Li, Director of the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs at CLEC; Ms. Zhang Huijun, Deputy Director of the Division of Cultural Affairs at CLEC; Mr. Li Minghang, Programme Manager of the Division of Volunteer Affairs at CLEC; Ms. Yan Hongjing, Programme Manager of the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs at CLEC; Ms. Yvonne Lim, Director of Tui Tuia Learning Circle; and Dr Yan Yang, Project Lead CLEC of Tui Tuia Learning Circle.
Teachers showcasing the mooncakes and Matariki stars they created during the workshop
Teachers displaying the lanterns they made during the workshop
The reader from New Zealand Chinese Language Week
This year marks the 10th anniversary of New Zealand Chinese Language Week. To celebrate, a delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) visited New Zealand, with their first stop at Tui Tuia Learning Circle. On September 22, the CLEC delegation, led by Ms. Yuan Li, Director of the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs at CLEC, met with Ms. Yvonne Lim, Director of Tui Tuia Learning Circle, and her team. This visit aimed to strengthen and deepen collaboration for 2025, following the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Tui Tuia and CLEC at the New Zealand-China High Level Education Forum in June this year. During the visit, the teams reviewed the successes of past CLEC programmes and discussed new opportunities for future cooperation.
To further commemorate the 10th anniversary of New Zealand Chinese Language Week and the Chinese Moon Festival, Tui Tuia organized a full-day workshop for Chinese language teachers nationwide, facilitated by Dr Yan Yang, Ms Paula Kasper and CNSST Foundation. The workshop explored the cultural connections between the Chinese Moon Festival and the Māori Matariki Festival, emphasizing the shared themes of family, community, and reflection. The event was filled with hands-on activities, such as making traditional mooncakes, creating lanterns that incorporated both Chinese and Māori art elements, and crafting Matariki stars using Māori weaving techniques. Many teachers shared how they successfully brought these activities back to their classrooms, where their students thoroughly enjoyed the immersive learning experiences.
Tui Tuia was also fortunate to receive around 100 readers from New Zealand Chinese Language Week. These readers, written in Māori, English, and Chinese, focus on the Matariki Festival. Tui Tuia will distribute these readers to Chinese language teachers across the country, helping to foster a deeper understanding and connection to both Chinese and Māori cultures.
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2024 - Chinese - Term 4 Newsletter Articles
Otago Chinese language teachers' workshop
Written by Ivy Ding, Chinese & Technology Teacher, Columba College.
On Tuesday, 24th September, Columba College proudly hosted a workshop for Chinese language teachers from across Otago.
The event was led by Dr. Fu, the Chinese National Language Adviser, who shared invaluable insights into how the ancient text, the Shuowen Jiezi, can elevate our teaching and take Chinese language instruction to the next level.
The Shuowen Jiezi, compiled in the Han dynasty, is the first comprehensive dictionary to analyze the forms and origins of Chinese characters. By breaking down characters into their fundamental elements and exploring their etymology, this text offers a rich resource for deepening one’s understanding of the Chinese writing system. Dr. Fu demonstrated how mastering the patterns and structures in the Shuowen Jiezi can help teachers enhance their character instruction and make the learning process more engaging for students.
During the workshop, teachers explored how to: • Grasp the core concepts of the Shuowen Jiezi and its significance in character formation. • Apply its teachings to enhance Chinese character instruction. • Design more effective quizzes and exercises that help students better understand the structure and meaning of characters.
This workshop has empowered Chinese teachers in the Otago region with fresh insights and practical tools to strengthen their classroom practice. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Fu for sharing his expertise and inspiring us to deepen our knowledge of the Chinese language.
Dongzhi - Winter Solstice
Written by Fiona Yen, Facilitator at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle.
As flowers blossom in New Zealand, the other side of the world is stepping into winter. One day I remember vividly from my childhood is the Winter Solstice, or Dongzhi. This special day occurs around the 21st or 22nd of December each year, and as part of the tradition, we eat Tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice ball soup).
Tangyuan, traditionally eaten during the Winter Solstice, symbolises reunion and harmony in Chinese culture. The round shape of the rice balls represents completeness and togetherness. Eating Tangyuan during this time signifies family unity, as we believe it brings good luck and cohesion as the days start to lengthen after the solstice. It's a way to welcome the return of light and warmth, marking the natural transition toward the new year and restoring balance.
While exploring the history of the Winter Solstice in Chinese culture, I was reminded of the shortest day in New Zealand—our Winter Solstice, which occurs on the 21st of June. Interestingly, shortly after this date, we also celebrate the Māori New Year, Matariki. Although the Winter Solstice is not widely celebrated in New Zealand, it holds special significance in Māori culture. The solstice aligns with Matariki, which honours the past and looks forward to new beginnings. It’s closely tied to the Māori agricultural cycle and the natural environment.
These two cultures, from opposite hemispheres, share similar themes but celebrate in unique ways. In China, Dongzhi focuses on family unity and preparation for the colder part of winter, while in New Zealand, Matariki connects to cultural heritage, harvest, and the beginning of the Māori New Year.
Both celebrations revolve around renewal, family, and a connection to the changing seasons, yet they are expressed through different cultural lenses and traditions.
Celebrating New Zealand Chinese Language Week
Written by Dr Yan Yang, Project Lead - CLEC at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle.
The CLEC Delegation Meeting with the Tui Tuia Learning Circle Team. The group photo includes Ms. Yuan Li, Director of the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs at CLEC; Ms. Zhang Huijun, Deputy Director of the Division of Cultural Affairs at CLEC; Mr. Li Minghang, Programme Manager of the Division of Volunteer Affairs at CLEC; Ms. Yan Hongjing, Programme Manager of the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs at CLEC; Ms. Yvonne Lim, Director of Tui Tuia Learning Circle; and Dr Yan Yang, Project Lead CLEC of Tui Tuia Learning Circle.
Teachers showcasing the mooncakes and Matariki stars they created during the workshop
Teachers displaying the lanterns they made during the workshop
The reader from New Zealand Chinese Language Week
This year marks the 10th anniversary of New Zealand Chinese Language Week. To celebrate, a delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) visited New Zealand, with their first stop at Tui Tuia Learning Circle. On September 22, the CLEC delegation, led by Ms. Yuan Li, Director of the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs at CLEC, met with Ms. Yvonne Lim, Director of Tui Tuia Learning Circle, and her team. This visit aimed to strengthen and deepen collaboration for 2025, following the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Tui Tuia and CLEC at the New Zealand-China High Level Education Forum in June this year. During the visit, the teams reviewed the successes of past CLEC programmes and discussed new opportunities for future cooperation.
To further commemorate the 10th anniversary of New Zealand Chinese Language Week and the Chinese Moon Festival, Tui Tuia organized a full-day workshop for Chinese language teachers nationwide, facilitated by Dr Yan Yang, Ms Paula Kasper and CNSST Foundation. The workshop explored the cultural connections between the Chinese Moon Festival and the Māori Matariki Festival, emphasizing the shared themes of family, community, and reflection. The event was filled with hands-on activities, such as making traditional mooncakes, creating lanterns that incorporated both Chinese and Māori art elements, and crafting Matariki stars using Māori weaving techniques. Many teachers shared how they successfully brought these activities back to their classrooms, where their students thoroughly enjoyed the immersive learning experiences.
Tui Tuia was also fortunate to receive around 100 readers from New Zealand Chinese Language Week. These readers, written in Māori, English, and Chinese, focus on the Matariki Festival. Tui Tuia will distribute these readers to Chinese language teachers across the country, helping to foster a deeper understanding and connection to both Chinese and Māori cultures.
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