AsiaNew Zealand Foundation

July 2007

Hi All

Welcome to Term 3 and hopefully more days with extra sunshine and less wind and rain. I hope that none of you suffered from the effects of the wild weather encountered during the school holidays - Mother Nature can wreak havoc at times.

So what have I in this issue:

  • Teacher study programmes
  • Student study programmes
  • Diwali Festival
  • Other events and opportunities
  • Website links and resources

Teacher Study Programmes

Linking Latitudes, India 2007

Last chance to register for this exciting conference to be held in Delhi and Agra from 30 September to 4 October. Asia:NZ has a couple of reserved places available. For more info and $A1000 contribution towards costs visit or contact me by end of this week – 20 July.

Korea Studies Workshop

Welcome back to Robyn McBride, University of Waikato; Karin Spencer, Whangamata Area School; Nick Perry, Ponsonby Intermediate School and Shaun Oughton, Waimea College who were our recipients on the programme this year. Another successful workshop with lots of learning and friendships made.

Keep an eye out for next year’s programme with applications due around March/April for June/July departure.

New Zealand Japanese Language Teachers Programme

An in-country language and cultural immersion experience for up to four Year 7-10 teachers of Japanese language who are a little beyond the beginners level. Held in Osaka, Japan for approximately 10-12 days during April 2008 school holidays. Deadline for applications 23 November 2007.

For more info visit

Student Study Programmes

School Study Exchange Programme (SSEP)

This was temporarily unavailable but now back again. Grants available to support school study visits to Asia. Next application deadline 17 August and then 14 March 2008.For eligibility and more info visit

New ZealandJapan Young Peoples Exchange Programme

To support students of Japanese language on study trips to Japan. Typically for students 16-19 years, who have completed NCEA Level 1, and on trips for 3 weeks or more such as sister school exchanges, AFS or NZIIU programmes.

Grants can be up to $5000 per individual. For more info and application form visit Next deadline 26 October.

Asia:NZ Diwali Festival

Earmark your diaries –in Wellington from 1pmat the TSB Bank Arena Sunday 21 October and in Auckland from 11am at Britomart on both Saturday 27 October and Sunday 28 October. Lots of food, fun and entertainment for everyone. Spread the word. For event updates visit

As part of Diwali, I’ll be running a parallel schools programme with our international performers. Times and venues to be confirmed (Auckland and Wellington only) but if interested, keep an eye out in The Education Gazette or email me to register your interest to receive updates

Other Events and Opportunities

Check our website for other things that are happening such as:

Qing Mei Jing Yue Quartet

Opportunity to attend the open rehearsal of the Qing Mei Jing Yue Quartet - one of China’s most active music quartets promoting traditional music on ancient Chineseinstruments - pipa, erhu, guzheng and yangqin.

At the Ilott Theatre, WellingtonTown Hall, Tuesday 24 July, 1.30-2.30pm. $5 per student.

For more info contact Guanxin on (04) 474 9624, email Dawn Sanders on (04) 384 1300 or .

Music Fair of Japan 2007

FREE performances by 3 world-renowned Japanese artists, Ms Mie Kobayashi (violin); Ms Satsuki Adachi (soprano) and Ms Yuko Mifune (piano) in:

  • Auckland. 15 August, 6.45pm at the Concert Chamber, AucklandTown Hall. Contact Consulate-General of Japan (09) 303 4106
  • Wellington, 17-20 August, 6.45pm at Ilott Theatre, WellingtonTown Hall. Contact Embassy of Japan, (04) 472 7807
  • Palmerston North, 21 August, 6.45pm at Regent on Broadway. Contact Ticket Direct (06) 357 9740.

Xiamen Art Competition (Wellington only)

Student art competition organised by the Wellington Xiamen Association Inc to celebrate its 20th anniversary with Xiamen, China. For students aged 7-13 years. Entries close Friday 27 July 2007. For more info visit

First New Zealand Chinese Essay Competition (For non native speakers)

Competition organized by the Confucius Institute in cooperation with the NZ Chinese Writers Association Inc. to promote and encourage Chinese language learning among students in New Zealand. Deadline for entries 31 August 2007.
For more information including eligibility and entry form visit

New Zealand Teachers China Scholarship Programme 2008

Up to 15 scholarships for New Zealand teachers of Chinese language for a 4 week intensive Chinese language and culture programme at Peking University, China from 7 January to 1 February 2008. Covers tuition, international return travel, accommodation and a living allowance in China.

For prospective and current teachers of Chinese language to Y7 to Y10 who are non-native speakers of the language and with full teacher registration. Deadline for applications 30 July 2007.
For further information and application form, please contactXiaomei Wang,

Website links and resources

  • Asia Megatrends - Highlighting trends and economic transformations in Asia. Looks at opportunities for businesses to prosper but equally relevant for up to date movements in Asia.
  • Waves – the movie on international students. This will go to all secondary schools with international students as a teaching resource with teacher and student notes. Keep an eye out for it.
  • Kansai through Kiwi eyes – DVD and booklet with worksheets sent to all schools focusing on the Kansai region of Japan, its culture, government and economic world. For a preview or to order additional copies visit

All the best for a great term.

Janine Chin

Schools Co-ordinator

PS: If you would like to be taken off my mail list, please email me at – hope not but just in case!

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