In brief
The 2026 “Modern China Through My Eyes” short‑video contest drew 130 participants from Auckland’s schools and universities, who presented 45 entries that spliced everyday Chinese life with personal storytelling. Chinese Consul General Chen Shijie highlighted the event’s role in boosting language learning and cultural ties, while local academics praised the students’ creativity and engagement.
Wednesday night in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, an award ceremony marked the end of the 2026 “Modern China Through My Eyes” short‑video competition. The event gathered 130 students from 24 schools and universities in the Auckland consular region, who had submitted 45 videos that showcase modern China through their own perspectives.
Chinese Consul General Chen Shijie spoke at the ceremony, saying the competition gives New Zealand students a platform to show their Chinese‑language achievements and to share stories about China. He encouraged more young people in the country to learn Chinese and to become ambassadors of Chinese‑New Zealand friendship.
Professor Lawrence Zhang from the University of Auckland praised the participants for their language skills, creativity and enthusiasm. He noted that events like this help deepen cultural understanding between the two countries.
Xuelin Zhou, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Auckland, added that the videos present everyday life in China and preserve moments that will later serve as valuable records. She said the recordings highlight the changes happening in Chinese society.
During the ceremony, students also performed Chinese dances and songs and spoke the occasional short speech in Chinese, further illustrating their grasp of the language and culture.
The competition has run for three consecutive years, and this year’s event reaffirmed the growing connection and cultural curiosity shared by young people in China and New Zealand.
