The annual New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS) Chinese language week competitions will culminate next week, bringing several hundred students from around the Bay of Plenty to Tauranga Intermediate.

Set for Thursday, September 22, the competitions are made for students to learn about China, Chinese culture, and get the chance to win 'book vouchers donated by local firms” according to NZCFS spokesperson John Hodgson.

'Never has there been a better time for New Zealand to develop a better understanding of China,” says John.

'According to former Prime Minister John Key, the attitudes towards China have become ‘a lot more negative.'”

The New Zealand China Friendship Society has organised the competitions into eight categories with awards and prizes sponsored by local businesses and individuals.

There are research projects, speeches in Chinese and English, and calligraphy competitions.

John says that students of all skills can participate.

'Chinese traditional stories told in English and speeches about China will be heard alongside speeches in Chinese from native speakers and non-native speakers as separate categories.

'Some students have been working for months on their research projects, which are set up similarly to science projects. The two categories of these projects are China in the past and China at present.

'Chengyu is a traditional Chinese expression of wisdom generally using just four characters. Students will choose a Chengyu and write it in Chinese characters with their own explanation of what the Chengyu means and why they chose it. This is split up between native speakers and non-native speakers too.

John says the competitions are designed to 'get students involved” in China and Chinese culture.

'This will ultimately help them to have a better understanding of China's history and culture.

'We hope that many students from Year 8 down in Tauranga will participate and that schools may run their own competitions with their finalists being entered in the 22 September event.”

'The public, parents and supporters are welcome to come and listen to the speeches, as well as view the research projects and calligraphies.”