About the Confucius Institute:

The Confucius Institute in Auckland is a public, non-profit organisation established by The University of Auckland, Fudan University of Shanghai and the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban).

The Institute plays a leading role in fostering closer cultural, social and business relations between China and New Zealand. They achieve this primarily by promoting Chinese language and culture study in New Zealand through the arts, educational programmes, events and scholarships. They are also resourced to provide expertise and support across the fields of business. Their vast resource base helps organisations capture the best opportunities emerging from China and the Asia-Pacific region.

The Confucius Institute is recognised as an international authority on China-related events, networks, activities and educational programmes for individuals, communities, business and learning institutions. They maintain a close relationship with the New Zealand government and all circles of society, for example they provided consulting and training services concerning Chinese language and Chinese culture for New Zealand’s participation in the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 and the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The Institute also serves as an advisor to the New Zealand Parliament and Ministry of Education with regard to Chinese language education policies; works with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Office of Ethnic Affairs in compiling Chinese pamphlets.

Launched in 2007, the Confucius Institute in Auckland has won five world-wide “Confucius Institute of the Year” awards and in 2014 a ‘Pioneer Award’ to acknowledge the Institute’s work since 2007. In addition, Director Nora Yao has won a highly prestigious “Outstanding Contribution” award, recognising her contribution to the success of Confucius Institute in Auckland.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Nora Yao is the Director of the Confucius Institute in Auckland. Under her leadership, the Confucius Institute has organized more than 70 primary and secondary school principals to visit China and helped more than 50 schools open Chinese courses with about 10,000 registered students.

Additionally, she has over 25 years of teaching experience at the University of Auckland.

Nora’s outstanding teaching achievements and her leadership has been recognized with a Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Auckland and ‘Valued Contribution to the University Award’ by the Vice Chancellor of the University, and a ‘Good Citizen Award’, a ‘Medal for Distinguished Women in Auckland’ from the Mayor of Auckland for her local community service.

She is council member of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching, a member of editorial board for Xiamen University’s journal: Overseas Chinese Education and a member of the expert panel of International Chinese Teaching Materials Development.

The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to network, as well as drinks and canapés. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Friday 23 October.