The Chinese Government has invested $250,000 into six New Zealand schools so students can learn Mandarin.
The schools include Parnell District School and Rotorua Boy's High. They are among 300 worldwide taking part in the programme managed by the Confucius Institute.
Parnell District School has been teaching Mandarin for a decade.
Principal Gary Cain says the focus is not just on speaking the language but learning about the Chinese culture.
The Confucius Institute says it would like to see more schools come on-board. Each school needs to re-apply for funding every year.
