New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2025 Language Superstars

This year’s Chinese Language Superstars have varied reasons for learning the language but they all share an enthusiasm for Chinese language learning and the opportunities it offers.

The New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust selects Chinese Language Superstars each year to provide role models of people learning Chinese language. They share their stories and experiences to encourage other New Zealanders to give Chinese language a go.

Each of these inspiring individuals have embarked on unique Chinese language learning journeys which reflect the spirit of New Zealand Chinese Language Week. They aren’t always fluent but they are on the journey.

For example: Gareth Winslow is an Auckland-based golf coach. He spent 15 years in China, and quickly realised that learning Chinese would be essential to fully experiencing life there. For him, it was about more than just communication — it was a way to deepen his understanding of Chinese culture and open the door to new opportunities.
Originally from London, Craig took on
Now living back in Auckland, he still speaks Chinese every day with his golfing students and their parents in Auckland.

Levi Patel is a music composer, producer and songwriter who began his Chinese language learning journey in 2022 when he visited Liuzhou. His goal was initially to connect more meaningfully with people through language; he now does so through singing original music in both English and Chinese.
Originally from London, Craig took on Mandarin as a bucket-list
Originally from London, Craig Holmes took on Mandarin as a bucket-list challenge in 2008 — intending to try it for just a month. Discovering its relevance in New Zealand and enjoying the process, he’s still learning today and considers himself committed for life.

The eight Chinese Language Superstars for New Zealand Chinese Language Week 2025 are:

• Craig Holmes;
• Clarissa Ivanka;
• Mohammed Khan;
• Daniel Pascoe;
• Levi Patel;
• James Priddy;
• Nimish Singh; and
• Gareth Winslow.

More information about the language superstars and their Chinese language journeys can be found here: https://www.nzclw.com/language-superstars-2025

All of the superstars are from Auckland, except for James Priddy who is from Christchurch.

The week runs from August 31 to September 6 and is a celebration of Chinese language learning and culture.

This will be the 11th year that New Zealand Chinese Language Week has been held.

The New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust was formed in 2014 by a group of academics, politicians, and business people who wanted to encourage the learning of Chinese language.

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