Ambassadors Support New Zealand Chinese Language Week

Ambassadors Support New Zealand Chinese Language Week

New Zealand’s Ambassador to China and the Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand have been announced as patrons of the New Zealand Chinese Language Week (NZCLW).

Mr Wang Lutong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand said of the NZCLW: “This is a positive initiative which boosts Mandarin in New Zealand and provides a practical platform for Kiwis to better understand China, its people and its culture. It is of profound and lasting importance to the relationship between China and New Zealand.”

Accepting the position, Ambassador John McKinnon said: “Since this initiative was first unveiled some years ago I have been an enthusiastic supporter. I will do everything possible to support your endeavours in this important field.”

The NZCLW will develop awareness of Chinese language and culture. It will be a bipartisan event that creates awareness of Chinese language and etiquette used in business and in social contexts. It will also be an opportunity to showcase Chinese art and culture.

Raymond Huo, former MP and now partner of an Auckland-based law firm and Jo Coughlan, Wellington City Councillor, are co-chairs of the Trust which has been set up to run the New Zealand Chinese Language Week (NZCLW).

“We are delighted with the high level of support this initiative has received from the Ambassadors,” says Raymond Huo. “Their enthusiasm for the NZCLW will spur the initiative even to greater heights.”

“This will greatly help our efforts to make the NZCLW a successful and truly meaningful contribution to the cultural and educational calendar in New Zealand,” says Jo Coughlan. “We thank the Ambassadors for their support.”

Other trustees include, Sarah Thomson, founder and president of the Waikato Mandarin Corner group which encourages youth to study Chinese; Professor Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor of Waikato University; Patrick English, Executive Director for the New Zealand China Council; and Dave Bromwich, National President of the New Zealand China Friendship Society. Ms Thomson will also be the Trust’s first Youth Ambassador.
The idea of Chinese Language Week was raised in 2010 and support of all relevant stakeholders and the Chinese community in New Zealand was then gathered.

ENDS

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