The awards ceremony of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition in Auckland was held at University of Auckland on 14 June. Consul General Chen Shijie attended and presented awards to the winners. Vice Consul General Wang Junchao and around 200 guests including teachers, students and parents participated in the event.

In his remarks, Chen noted that the learning of Chinese continues to heat up in New Zealand. This year, the number of applicants for the competition has reached a new high, fully demonstrating the strong interest of New Zealand students in Chinese language and culture. He encouraged the contestants to take the competition as a new beginning to build bridge of people-to-people connection and welcomed more New Zealand friends to learn Chinese language as well as visit China to experience it's diversity and vigor. 

This year's competition was co-organized by the Confucius Institute in Auckland. Nearly 40 schools and over 150 contestants participated in the competition, with 22 students winning awards and 3 Chinese language teachers receiving the best coaches awards. At the event, students showcased talents such as lion dance, Chinese folk dances and songs.