WELLINGTON, Feb. 11 -- Education Minister Hekia Parata welcomed 38 Mandarin language assistants from China to New Zealand at Parliament Wednesday, saying they would help in an important role in New Zealand's economic future.

The graduates from universities in China would spend the year assisting teachers in 80 New Zealand schools.

"Since 2010, Mandarin language assistants have helped to inspire students by providing invaluable social and cultural insights essential for a full understanding of the language," Parata said in a statement.

The assistants provided opportunities for students to hear and converse with native speakers, and would help with the preparation of learning resources.

In total, about 100 Mandarin language assistants would work in New Zealand schools this year as part of a program run by the country's three Confucius Institutes with support from the Ministry of Education.

"This is a rich resource given that China is our No. 1 export destination and it is important that we prepare our young people to play a part in New Zealand's economic future," said Parata.

The teaching assistance program had its origins in the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement, which provided for up to 150 Mandarin language assistants to temporarily work in New Zealand.