This article was written by Cultural Consultant and expert in cross-cultural communication Wing Morgan (pictured) of consultancy Cultural Lens. It is republished with permission from culturallens.co.nz.
The Chinese Conservation Education Trust (CCET), an active environmental non-profit led by the tireless Estella Lee, has officially launched the CCET Love Cycling Centre in Mt Eden, Auckland. This initiative serves as a bridge between Auckland’s growing cycling infrastructure and locals who are curious to try – or return to – cycling for transport.
A New Hub for Sustainable Transport
Housed in a shipping container on Carmen Avenue in Mt Eden, the centre provides a welcoming space for new and experienced riders with both English and Chinese language support. Everyone is welcome.
What began as small, monthly “pop-up” sessions in October 2025 quickly gained traction with the local community. The centre has been running on a regular schedule since April 2026 and continues to build momentum.
More about the CCET Love Cycling Centre.
Bridging the “Transport Culture Shock”
For many Chinese migrants, the move to Aotearoa often involves a significant “transport culture shock.” In China – historically known as the “Kingdom of Bicycles” – cycling has long been a primary mode of transport rather than just a weekend hobby. Nowadays, shared bikes are ubiquitous across Chinese cities, supported by seamless payment and user interfaces embedded within popular mobile platforms such as WeChat, Alipay, Didi, and Meituan (Chinese equivalent of Uber Eats).
However, upon arriving in New Zealand, many find the hilly topography and historically car-centric roading design intimidating. Experienced migrants often pass down the “survival tip” that driving is the only viable way to navigate the city. The CCET Love Cycling Centre disrupts this narrative by showing that as Auckland’s cycling network expands, the “cycling-first” mentality from China can thrive here too.
Importantly, this initiative is not just for the Chinese community. While inspired by cultural perspectives, the centre is open to everyone – inviting all Aucklanders to explore cycling as an accessible, low-carbon way to get around.
Global Context: China’s Climate Leadership
The work of CCET aligns with the bold environmental stances seen in China today. The nation is currently pursuing its ambitious “Dual Carbon Goals” – aiming for carbon peaking by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2060.
To achieve this, China has become a global leader in:
- Renewable Energy Deployment: Surpassing its 2030 wind and solar capacity targets six years ahead of schedule.
- Electric Mobility: Leading the world in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric public transit, which mirrors the pro-climate attitudes held by the majority of the population.
Auckland’s Evolving Network
This initiative is particularly powerful because it uses a specific cultural heritage to solve a universal urban problem. Rather than just helping migrants “fit in” to a car-heavy Auckland, CCET is encouraging everyone to adopt a perspective where the bicycle is a legitimate, everyday tool for grocery runs, commutes, and school drops.
The opening of the Love Cycling Centre is perfectly timed with Auckland’s 2026 bike infrastructure rollout. The city is currently completing several critical links that make cycling for transport more feasible, such as Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai and the Victoria Street Linear Park, as well as new protected lanes and safety improvements in areas like Māngere, Hobsonville and New Lynn.
CCET is empowering the local Chinese community to protect New Zealand’s environment. By providing the tools and the confidence to ride, they aren’t just reducing emissions; they are reclaiming a healthy, sustainable part of their heritage.
What makes this project so compelling is that it reframes a cultural background as a shared community strength. It’s a beautiful example of how a specific heritage can provide a practical, sustainable gift to all locals, helping the entire city transition toward a lower-carbon future.
A huge well done to all involved.
