Official data shows the number of students learning Mandarin at universities across New Zealand was just 255 in 2020, a 57 per cent drop from 2010. At least one university, the Auckland University of Technology , closed its Asian Studies and Chinese Studies programmes in 2023, while its Diploma in Arts in Chinese programme was closed in 2019.
With artificial intelligence and translation apps getting more advanced every day, basic Mandarin no longer gives young people a leg up in the job market. Through the rise and fall of Mandarin learning in the education system, China has maintained its position as New Zealand’s biggest trading partner.
However, even among those who learn Mandarin, those who put it to use are not many, said chair of the New Zealand China Council, Mr John McKinnon.