The Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington (CI‑VUW) held an online pre‑departure briefing for its 28 Mandarin Language Assistants (MLAs) on January 13, 2026. CI‑VUW’s Director Fiona Mann, Chinese Director Chen Wen, Volunteer Program Manager Patricia Roche, and Chinese teachers Zhixiang Zhou and Guoqi Kang joined the session. Fiona Mann delivered a warm welcome to all participants, expressing her best wishes for their upcoming assignments.

The briefing, led by Patricia Roche and Zhou Zhixiang, introduced the CI‑VUW team and teaching sites, explained the New Zealand school term schedule, outlined MLAs’ roles and responsibilities, and shared practical guidance for living and working in New Zealand. The session provided comprehensive support to ensure MLAs are well prepared for their assignments.