The 2026 "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition Wellington Regional Final successfully took place on 23 May. The competition was sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand and organized by the Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. Ms.Tang Jun, Counsellor for Educational, Scientific and Cultural Affairs at the Chinese Embassy, and Dr. Sam Mackay, Deputy Director of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, attended the event and delivered speeches. More than 100 people were present, including 34 contestants, Chinese language teachers and parents.

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Counsellor Tang Jun expressed gratitude to Victoria University of Wellington, Chinese language teachers and parents for their support. She noted that the "Chinese Bridge" competition in New Zealand has boosted the development of local Chinese language education, enhanced friendly exchanges between China and New Zealand, deepened mutual understanding and trust between young people of the two countries, and laid a solid foundation for the sound and steady growth of China–New Zealand relations. He encouraged students to learn more about Chinese culture and carry forward the friendship between the two nations.

Deputy Director Sam Mackay thanked the Embassy for its support to Victoria University of Wellington and praised the contestants for their courage and performance in the competition. He urged the students to continue improving their Chinese language skills and contribute to China–New Zealand friendship.

The champions of the university, secondary school and primary school categories will travel to China to participate in the global final of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition.