All across New Zealand, people are being invited to give Chinese language a go this week.

From 31 August to 6 September, the country is marking the 11th New Zealand Chinese Language Week, a celebration of language learning and cultural connection.

The week opens with a ceremony at Parliament, honouring teachers, youth ambassadors, and language champions.

Wētā Workshop’s Sir Richard Taylor will also unveil a major cultural project in Guangdong, highlighting how learning languages and building relationships can create new opportunities for Kiwi businesses.

For Coasties, the celebration is as much about the everyday as it is the big announcements.

On the NZCLW website, you’ll find simple phrases to practise at home, along with videos to help with tones and pronunciation.

For instance, try saying nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxiè (thank you), or zàijiàn (goodbye).

These small steps can be fun to share with friends and family. an easy way to try something new and share it with family and friends.

There’s a tasty twist too.

Ahead of New Zealand Dumpling Day later this month, locals can register online and vote for their favourite dumpling spot.

It’s a fun way to celebrate culture while supporting a dish loved across generations.

Organisers say the week is also about building skills and boosting opportunities.

Learning another language helps with literacy, numeracy, and memory, and it can open the door to business connections overseas.

For Coast families, it’s a reminder that trying out a new word today could spark fresh chances tomorrow.

Zàijiàn.

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