About us
Celebrating language, culture and community together.
Brasileirinhos Aotearoa New Zealand Charitable Trust exists to support, connect and empower the Brazilian community across Aotearoa. Our purpose is to share the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture with current and future generations.
We believe language is more than vocabulary. It represents identity, belonging, memory and connection. Culture is not something stored away. It is something lived, celebrated and shared.
Everything we do is designed to strengthen the connections between families, generations, and Brazil and New Zealand.
What We Offer
Our programmes support every stage of the Brazilian experience in New Zealand. Families join us from early childhood through adulthood, from first exposure to confident use of Portuguese.
Current Activities
Brazilian Playgroup (0–5 years)
Music, movement and early language learning.
Portuguese Classes for Children and Teens (5–16 years)
Reading, writing, speaking integrated with culture and identity
Adult Portuguese Classes
Practical language learning for life, travel, work and relationships.
Brazilian Books Library
Access to books in Portuguese to support reading, literacy and cultural connection at home and in class.
Brazilian Cultural Events
Carnaval, Festa Junina, Children’s Day and other celebrations throughout the year.
Coming Soon
Football Club (2 - 6 years)
Introduction to the beautiful game
Senior Club
Weekly gathering where Brazilian seniors feel at home
Brazilian Market
Monthly market at the park, Indoors during winter.
Migrant Support Workshop
Introduction to life in New Zealand
Youth Volunteer / Apprentice Program
A community-focused opportunity for youth to practice Portuguese and make a difference.
School Holiday Programme
A playful and cultural school holiday adventure for kids at Casa Brasil
Our story
Brasileirinhos began with parents looking for a way to help their children grow up in New Zealand while staying connected to their Brazilian identity, language and heritage.
What started as playgroup grew into language classes, cultural celebrations and events. As participation increased, the vision expanded.
Charitable Trust
In 2024, Brasileirinhos became a registered Charitable Trust. This change created a stronger foundation for growth, transparency and long-term planning. It also made it possible to apply for funding, partnerships and community spaces.
This step supports sustainability and enables our mission to grow with the community.
Today, Brasileirinhos Aotearoa focuses not only on language learning. Our priority is helping every Brazilian living in Aotearoa feel pride, connection and a sense of belonging.
Our Future Vision
Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan outlines the next stage of development. The focus is on sustainability, community access and cultural pride.
Planned developments include:
- A Physical Brazilian Community Space - Accomplished
A place for classes, events, exhibitions and community connection. - A Physical Portuguese Library - Accomplished
A collection of books, cultural resources, literature and history for all ages. - Expanded Digital Learning Ecosystem
More online resources, virtual learning, storytelling, cultural content and national access. - Annual Festivals and Large Events
A stronger visible Brazilian cultural presence across Auckland and Aotearoa. - A Hub for the Brazilian Community
A one‑stop hub for Brazilian culture, community, and connection in Aotearoa.
Our People
Brasileirinhos is made possible by passionate educators, volunteers, cultural leaders and families who believe in the value of language and heritage.
Our structure includes:
-
Board of Trustees
Responsible for strategy, direction and governance. -
Programme Coordinators and Educators
Delivering learning experiences rooted in language and culture. -
Committee Teams
Supporting events, communication, fundraising and community activities.
And most importantly: our families, students and community supporters.
Board of Trustees
Monica Silveira
Founder & Chair
Carol Pires
Trustee - Treasurer
Christiane Rupp
Trustee - Secretary
Join Us
You are welcome whether you want to:
✔ keep Portuguese alive at home
✔ join a supportive Brazilian community
✔ learn Portuguese as an adult
✔ participate in cultural events
✔ volunteer or support our work
Você é muito bem-vindo. 💛💚
