Dutch Language Weekend 2025 brings communities together across New Zealand

News item | 08-12-2025 | 05:02

Last weekend, the first Dutch Language Weekend brought together communities across Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate the Dutch language and the role it plays in identity, culture and connection. With events in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Palmerston North, the programme offered opportunities for people of all ages to explore language from different angles: through music, dialogue, sports, storytelling and cultural traditions.

Celebrating language, culture and community: highlights from the first Dutch Language Weekend in Aotearoa

The weekend kicked off with a cultural broadcast on RNZ Concert, where Wednesday’s morning programme spotlighted Dutch and Flemish music.
At Auckland University of Technology, we organized a panel discussion on language regression and health, exploring both older migrants reverting to their first language and younger generations gradually losing theirs.
In Wellington, language and movement came together as Les Mills Taranaki Street hosted a group fitness class that introduced Dutch words in a fun, active setting.
In Christchurch and Palmerston North, libraries turned into vibrant Dutch hubs with bilingual storytime, games, treasure hunts, music and cultural activities for families.
And, of course, across the country, Dutch and Flemish communities held Sinterklaas celebrations, bringing together generations and families in a shared cultural tradition.

Across all events, one thing stood out: multilingualism is not just a skill, it's identity and community-building.

A big thanks to everyone who took part, hosted activities and helped make this first edition a success!

Panel discussion on language regression at AUT