CLEC Programme and resources

The CLEC Programme is a collaborative initiative between the University of Auckland and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Education.

The programme is committed to enhancing Chinese language teaching and learning in Aotearoa New Zealand schools through high-quality professional learning and development (PLD), resource creation, cultural workshops, school support, and research.

Working closely with academics, school leaders, teachers, students, and communities, the programme enhances teaching practice, expands access to meaningful cultural learning, and promotes intercultural understanding.

A comprehensive range of support is available to schools, including PLD programmes, cultural workshops, in-class and online support, and high-quality teaching resources—many of which are fully funded.

Professional Learning and Development (PLD) for Teachers

A diverse suite of PLD programmes supports teachers at primary, intermediate, and secondary levels to strengthen their confidence and capability in Chinese language education. These programmes are available at no cost to provisionally and fully registered teachers in New Zealand.

Each programme provides practical strategies, digital learning opportunities, collaborative workshops, classroom-ready resources, and in-school support designed to enrich teaching practice. Current offerings include:

Programmes are delivered nationwide, both online and in person, and are available through the University’s Short Courses Hub.

Explore the Short Courses site for:

Full course information
Dates and delivery modes
Registration and Expression of Interest (EOI) forms

Chinese Cultural Workshops in Schools

Immersive cultural workshops bring authentic Chinese cultural experiences directly to schools—at no cost.

These workshops offer teachers and students the opportunity to engage in activities such as: Chinese Kung Fu, Kung Fu Fan, Lion Dance, Dragon Dance, Calligraphy and Painting, Paper Cutting, Beijing Opera Mask Design, Tie Dye, Lantern Making, Chinese Shadow Puppetry, Woodblock Printing, and traditional food-making such as dumplings, mooncakes, and rice balls.

Express your interest in a school workshop.

Chinese Language Programme Support Grant for Schools

This fund is designed to support the sustainable development of Chinese language programmes in schools, enabling growth and enriched learning opportunities.

All proposals are welcome and will be selected primarily based on the plan for how the funding will be utilised. Priority will be given to applications that:

Are from Primary and Intermediate schools
Focus on language learning pathways and sustainable approaches to language learning
Come from schools that do not have an existing Chinese language programme or need to reboot their programme

Grant application opening date:

Registrations have not yet opened for 2026. Please check back.

Chinese Bridge New Zealand Students Spring Camp

The Chinese Bridge Spring Camp offers New Zealand students a transformative cultural and educational journey in China. Participants spend two days in Beijing or Shanghai and twelve days in Xi'an, immersing themselves in university life on campus.

They attend Chinese language courses and cultural lectures, explore famous attractions, and engage in cultural activities, significantly enhancing their understanding of Chinese culture and advancing their Chinese language proficiency.

Eligibility:

‍‍Students must be non-native speakers of Chinese
Students must be 14 years old or older to meet the eligibility criteria set by CLEC
Students should currently be learning Chinese in schools and have proficiency at HSK Level 1 or higher

Upcoming dates:

Autumn camp: TBC
Spring camp: TBC

Applications:

Applications have not yet opened for 2026. Please check back.