On December 22, 2025, the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand, a heartwarming story of people-to-people exchanges unfolded at Yichun No.9 Middle School in China.
Tamati, a volunteer from Kawerau, New
Zealand, completed a three-month voluntary exchange program, forging deep
friendships with local students.
As highlighted in both Chinese and New Zealand media reports, soccer served as a key bond for cross-cultural communication.
Yichun No.9 Middle School, a national youth soccer featured school, provided an ideal platform for Tamati and the students to interact closely on the green field.
Beyond sports, Tamati actively shared Maori
culture with the students, teaching them the traditional haka dance and
explaining its connotations of strength, unity and respect.
The volunteer journey not only broadened the Chinese students' international horizons but also brought personal growth to Tamati, who became more confident and proficient in public expression.
He was impressed by the similarities between Maori culture and Chinese culture, such as respecting elders and valuing community.
This story, featured in the bilingual video "New Zealand Volunteer on the Green Field", is a vivid epitome of the friendly people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand, further cementing the bilateral friendship.
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