Chinese Culture Day in Nelson NZ
By admin on 2015-02-03

On July 6 2011, a Chinese Culture Day along side with a Chinese Book Corner Opening was celebrated at Nayland College in Nelson City of New Zealand, which was organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury (CIUC) in association with the International Language Exchange Pathway (ILEP). Also present at the function were Mr Wang Shenggang, Education Counsellor from the Chinese Embassy, Mr Li Yucai, Education Counsellor from the Chinese Counsel General in Christchurch and representatives from NZCFS Nelson Branch.

At the opening ceremony, Mr Rex Smith, Principal of Nayland College, expressed deep gratitude towards Hanban for the donated books and towards CIUC for the launch of an opening ceremony and the Chinese Culture Day. He also expressed their school’s determination and commitment in Chinese language teaching and culture promotion in Nelson area.

Opening ceremony

Following the opening ceremony, was the Chinese Culture Day function, which was divided into four sections: Tai Chi, Chinese folk dance, calligraphy and dumpling making. Tai Chi demonstration immediately attracted a lot of boys. They learned every step so attentively that before long they could perform as smartly as the teacher. Mr Wang Shenggang, Education Counsellor from the Chinese Embassy, formally announced the opening the Book Corner at Nayland College.

Tai Chi

Chinese folk dance fascinated both old and young, boys and girls. The ups and downs of the colourful fans turned the cold winter of Nelson into a flowering spring.

Folk Dance   More pictures

Chinese traditional calligraphy was favoured by the decent members of the NZCFS Nelson Branch. They followed the instructions of the young volunteer teacher stroke by stroke, admiring her skilfulness in writing and enjoying the feeling of “drawing” by themselves.

Dumpling making is the most appealing activity of the whole function. Participants took turns to join in this section, making their own dumplings, enjoying the delicious taste and buying extra ones for their families.

With the Chinese Culture Day, CIUC intends to develop more awareness of Chinese culture among Nelson residents and help the local school s in their efforts of offering Chinese courses to their students. Mrs Christine Ward, president of NZCFS Nelson Branch, said the seed had been sown and the flowering and fruit seasons are at hand. Several local newspapers have reported the event.