The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand

Celebrating Rewi Alleys Legacy Through Sister City Connections Part 2 Purpose of Highlighting These Connections By highlighting these sister city connections, we aim to: • Validate tangible connections: Demonstrate the real and ongoing impact of Rewi Alley's work in Canterbury, New Zealand, and China. • Promote cultural and educational exchanges: Encourage more collaborative projects, student exchanges, and cultural events that honour Rewi's legacy, especially in his home province of Canterbury. • Foster greater understanding: Build stronger ties between communities in Canterbury and their sister cities in China, promoting mutual respect and understanding. Conclusion The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand, along with the sister cities of Christchurch, Selwyn, and Hurunui, continue to celebrate and promote the enduring legacy of Rewi Alley. These connections are not just symbolic; they are tangible links that foster cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and a deeper understanding between New Zealand and China. Through these efforts, Rewi Alley's spirit lives on, inspiring future generations to build a more connected and compassionate world.

Celebrating Rewi Alley's Legacy through Sister City Connections Introduction Part 1 Rewi Alley's profound impact on New Zealand-China relations continues to resonate today, particularly through the efforts of The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand and various Canterbury sister city initiatives. This collaboration aims to honour and preserve Rewi's legacy, and foster greater cultural and educational exchanges between New Zealand and China. Historical Context Rewi Alley, a New Zealand-born writer, educator, and social reformer, spent over 60 years in China, dedicating his life to improving the lives of the Chinese people. His efforts in establishing industrial cooperatives (known as the Gung Ho movement) and promoting education have left an indelible mark on both nations. Today, the Rewi Alley Foundation works tirelessly to keep his spirit alive, especially within the Canterbury region. Key Connections Christchurch Sister City Connections Christchurch, the largest city and council in the Canterbury region, has developed strong sister city relationships with several Chinese cities that hold significant ties to Rewi Alley: • Wuhan City: Known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical significance, Wuhan has been a centre of various educational exchanges and cooperative projects inspired by Rewi's legacy. He is still remembered and honoured today for his tireless flood relief work in the 1930s. • Gansu Province: Rewi's work to establish the Shandan Bailie School, located in Gansu, is one of his most enduring contributions. This school continues to be a symbol of Sino-New Zealand cooperation, emphasizing vocational training and practical skills. The Gansu Sister-Province with Christchurch City was established in 1984. Selwyn District Sister City Connections The Selwyn District Council has also embraced Rewi Alley's legacy through its sister city relationships, fostering a unique bond with: • Shandan County: Shandan County is home to the Shandan Bailie School, where Rewi played a crucial role in establishing an educational institution that emphasized practical learning and self-reliance. This sister city relationship focuses on educational initiatives and cultural exchange programs. Hurunui District Sister City Connections In the Hurunui District, sister city connections further validate the tangible link to Rewi Alley's work and spirit between Canterbury and China: • Honghu City: This relationship aims to promote cultural understanding and acknowledging his essential work in flood relief while reflecting the values that he championed throughout his life. • Changping District, Beijing: Rewi's work in Beijing was instrumental in opening trade doors for New Zealand businesses. He was as an envoy of world peace, and translator of poetry from ancient Chinese texts. He also facilitated with the exchange of the precious moa bones and Chinese antiquities between the Chinese Natural History Museum in Beijing and the Canterbury Museum. Continued in Part 2

Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand - In a nutshell or quick read. Historical Background The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand, established in 2022, is dedicated to honouring Rewi Alley, a remarkable figure from Canterbury who made significant contributions to China during a period of rapid change. The foundation aims to promote the Canterbury connection and ensure that Alley's enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations. Mission and Goals The core mission of the Rewi Alley Foundation is to carry on the spirit of Rewi Alley. This includes promoting the values he stood for, such as international understanding, educational development, and cultural exchange. The foundation's goals are to: Preserve and advance the legacy of Rewi Alley within Canterbury and beyond. Foster educational programs that engage youth and children, encouraging them to learn about and embody the principles that Alley championed. Key Activities and Initiatives The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand is actively involved in several key activities to achieve its mission: Advancing the Rewi Alley Legacy in Canterbury The foundation works tirelessly to keep Alley's spirit alive within the Canterbury community. This involves organizing events, exhibitions, and discussions that highlight his life and contributions, aiming to inspire and educate the public about his work and its relevance today. Developing Educational Programs A significant part of the foundation's efforts is directed towards developing educational programs tailored for youth and children. These programs are designed to: Engage young minds in the history and values of Rewi Alley. Encourage cultural exchange and international understanding. Provide a platform for young people to develop leadership skills and a sense of global citizenship. Conclusion The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand stands as a testament to the enduring impact of one of Canterbury's most notable sons. By advancing his legacy and developing educational initiatives, the foundation seeks to inspire a new generation to carry forward the spirit of Rewi Alley. To learn more or to get involved, visit the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealands's website and discover how you can contribute to this noble cause. The new Rewi Alley bust unvailed at the Christchurch Arts Centre May 2024

Mme Xiaomei Zhan, Director General of Hubei Foregin Affairs Office sends a personal message to be shared at the the launch of the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand wishing the foundation all the best at their launch on 2nd December 2023,126 years after Rewi Alley's birth.

New Zealand Ambassador Grahame Morton to China wishes the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand all the success at their launch on the 2nd December 2023. The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand acknowledgea the New Zealand Ambassador to China for his kind words of support.