Über uns
Deutsch in Christchurch zelebriert deutsche Tradition über Generationen hinweg, egal wo Sie zu Hause sind. Unser Angebot beinhaltet Klubs, Veranstaltungen, Aktivitäten und Sprachkurse und ist vom Goethe-Institut Neuseeland unterstützt. Es verbindet die Deutschen nicht nur mit ihrem Erbe, sondern schärft das Bewusstsein für die deutsche Kultur in der weiteren Canterbury-Gemeinde.
Seit April 2021 helfen wir Kindern in unserer beliebten Kinderspielgruppe, sich mit dem Deutschsein auseinanderzusetzen. Wir glauben, dass es wichtig ist, unseren Kindern beizubringen, ihren einzigartigen Hintergrund zu schätzen und die Individualität zu erkennen, die sie in Canterbury’s reiche kulturelle Vielfalt mitbringen.
Seit der Gründung unserer Spielgruppe hat sich unsere Initiative in den letzten Monaten zu einem Sprach- und Kulturzentrum mit mehr Angeboten als je zuvor entwickelt.
Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community
- Anthony J. D'Angelo
Our Mission
To establish and maintain a German community aimed at reinforcing members’ sense of identity and belonging, both within themselves and in the context of life in New Zealand.
Furthermore, through Deutsch in Christchurch, we aim to foster identity among our members that bolsters self-esteem and resilience against racism and harmful stereotypes.
Our Team
Mitglied werden
Jeder ist herzlich eingeladen, an unseren Aktivitäten teilzunehmen. Es gibt einen optionalen jährlichen Mitgliedsbeitrag von 10 NZD pro Person oder Familie, der als Gutschrift für alle unsere Aktivitäten, wie z. B. einen Sprachkurs, verwendet wird. Darüber hinaus gibt Ihnen Ihr Beitrag die Möglichkeit, unserem Ausschuss beizutreten und bei unserer Jahreshauptversammlung Ihre Meinung zu sagen.
Tobias Maletz
Our Vision
MA German Studies
My journey to Christchurch has been quite diverse. Prior to settling in the Garden City in 2020, I spent a decade in Canberra, Australia. However, I was actually born in Germany and spent most of my childhood in the Netherlands. In fact, I graduated from Utrecht University with a Bachelor of Arts in German Studies, which highlights my ongoing connection to my German heritage.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to a variety of different cultures, but my German ancestry has always been particularly important to me. This became even more significant when I became a mother and wanted to raise my daughter in a trilingual household so that she could also develop a connection to her German roots.
Given my passion for fostering cultural connections, I was inspired to establish a German Language and Culture Centre in Christchurch. Our centre focuses on promoting language and traditions from German-speaking countries through a variety of programs, including language classes, cultural events, a schoolgroup, and a playgroup for young children.
Through the German Language and Culture Centre in Christchurch, we're able to provide local initiatives that support our children and the wider community. I firmly believe that it's crucial for children to learn about their cultural background and roots, so that they can develop a sense of identity that extends beyond just the country they grow up in.
As someone who didn't have this opportunity when I was growing up, this purpose is particularly important to me.
Vera Leier
MA, PhD, DipTchg
Originally from Germany, New Zealand has been my home for over 30 years. After graduating from teacher’s college and becoming a qualified teacher, I taught German in high schools and the University of Canterbury. I have two grown-up daughters, who I raised bilingually.
I enjoy teaching German to all ages and proficiency levels and helping keep the German culture alive and visible in Christchurch.