As Marsden celebrates almost two decades of Chinese language learning and the 10th anniversary of its Confucius Classroom partnership, the school's Chinese programme has received further national recognition during New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2026. Chinese teacher Zoe Ren and Year 12 student Isabella have both been honoured for their outstanding contributions to Chinese language learning and cultural understanding.

Zoe Ren has been named a recipient of the 2026 New Zealand Chinese Language Week Chinese Teacher Award, recognising exceptional educators who inspire their students every day and play a vital role in growing Chinese language learning across New Zealand.

Chinese Language Week Teacher's Award Winner, Zoe Ren

The awards were presented at the New Zealand Chinese Language Week Opening Ceremony at Parliament.

For Mrs Ren, the award marks both a professional and personal milestone.

"Receiving this award means a great deal to me. It is a meaningful recognition of the journey I have taken over the past 13 years as a teacher of Chinese as a foreign language, and of the perseverance and passion I have brought to my work every step of the way.

This year is especially significant, as it also marks my 10th year in New Zealand as an immigrant. Receiving this award at this milestone is both humbling and deeply encouraging. It reminds me that the effort I have invested in promoting the Chinese language and building cultural understanding has been seen and valued. It also inspires me to continue sharing my language and culture with future generations."

Mrs Ren's recognition continues a proud tradition of excellence within Marsden's Chinese programme, which was established in 2007 and has flourished through its partnership with the Confucius Institute since 2016. Over the past decade, the Confucius Classroom has expanded opportunities for students through enriched learning experiences, cultural exchange and national and international competitions.

Year 12 student Isabella has also been recognised nationally, having been selected as a 2026 New Zealand Chinese Language Week Youth Ambassador.

NZ Chinese Language Week Youth Ambassador 2026, Isabella

Isabella's journey with Chinese began in early childhood before she continued her learning while living overseas and resumed formal study in Year 10. Since then, she has embraced the challenge of learning the language with determination and curiosity.

"Studying Chinese is hard, but it has been really rewarding as I have begun to understand more and more," Isabella said. "I enjoy being able to use Chinese with my friends, and it's exciting when I realise I understand something that I didn't before."

Learning Chinese has already opened exciting opportunities, including competing in the Chinese Bridge Speech Competition and preparing to travel to Shanghai with Marsden in 2027, where she will immerse herself in the language and culture while further developing her conversational skills.

As a Youth Ambassador, Isabella hopes to inspire more young New Zealanders to learn Chinese.

"I think understanding another language is one of the best ways to understand another culture and the way people think. Around 1.4 billion people speak variations of Chinese around the world, so learning the language opens up opportunities to connect with so many more people."

Her advice to prospective learners is simple: "Be brave. Don't wait until you're 'good enough'. The best time to use a language is now."