


In Semester 2, 2009, the Chinese Centre jointly organised a workshop with the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, and invited the Education Consul, Tom Gao, and the Asian Liaison Officer of the Auckland Central Police Station, Jessica Phuang, to give advice to AUT Chinese students on how to protect themselves while living and studying in New Zealand. The participants gained many useful tips through short films, examples and questions and answers.

The AUT Chinese Student Association actively participates in events and activities in local communities. Now the Art and Performance Team are key participants in some major community events in Auckland - the Chinese New Year Celebration in Parliament, the Lantern Festival in Albert Park, Celebration of the Opening of Beijing Olympic Games at AUT and Northcote Shopping Centre, Mid-Autumn Celebration at Aotea Centre and the Hall of Epsom Girls Grammar.

During the mid semester break of the second semester, the Chinese Student Association organised another social activity for its members - a ball. Over 40 students attended the event and thoroughly enjoyed the party, forming friendships that have lasted well after the event.

At the end of June 2009, the Chinese Student Association organised a ski trip for its members. The participants enjoyed skiing, bungy jumping, prawn tasting, Taupo and Rotorua sightseeing and cooking together. The three-day and two-night ski trip was a great time for the participants to relax, exercise, socialise and experience New Zealand outdoor activities.

The Chinese Centre and AUTCSA organised a camping activity for Chinese-speaking students in early September 2009. Forty students joined in this wonderful outdoor social activity. The participants had two relaxing and unforgettable days at the camp after a semester’s hard work.

To promote cultural awareness on campus, the Chinese Centre, in association with Office of International Relations, organised one Taiwanese movie night, one Indonesian movie night, One Thai movie night and 3 Chinese movie nights. These movie nights have gained strong support from the embassy or consulate of these countries and were well enjoyed by the audience.

The Chinese Centre assisted the Office of International Relations and Development hosting two public talks in the first half of 2009. AUT Career Counsellor Michael Richardson gave a talk on his 10 months’ work experiences in Vietnam and the Honourable Pansy Wong reflected on her journey to becoming NZ’s first Asian MP and now the first Asian Cabinet Minister.