Rewi Alley 125th Anniversary

Rewi Alley was born in Springfield 125 years ago, on the 2nd December. On Friday, 21st October 2022 his birth and his huge contribution to ordinary people in China was celebrated, at the Rewi Alley Memorial Park in Springfield. Rewi Alley is the reason that Selwyn has a Sister City relationship with Shandan, in Gansu Province, in north-west China. Sister City relationships are based on people to people interaction, and Rewi embodied this spirit. The Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Ambassador Wang and Christchurch Chinese Consul General, Madam He, were special guests at this event. Ambassador Wang shared with students from Springfield School and Darfield High School, the impact Rewi Alley made in his 60 years in China. He became concerned with the plight of young children working long hours in factories, when he was a factory inspector KIRWEE 10 St Andrews Lane in Shanghai. Private & Quiet with Space One of his great achievements was setting up schools in poor rural areas, where students had both academic learning and learnt practical skills for future Set on 1027m2 section in a quiet cul-de-sac, well fenced and secure. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large open-plan living, separate lounge, and office. Fibre internet. For Sale by Deadline (unless sold prior). Phone to view. employment. The philosophy was hands and minds together. Darfield High School has had a Sister School relationship with Shandan Bailie School for 25 LEESTON Silverdale Farm 201 Rakaia Selwyn Road 108 acres, four bedroom home, lots of sheds. For Sale by Deadline closing 2.00pm, years. This is a school established 18 November (unless sold prior). Phone to view. by Rewi Alley and now is a large Vocational College, where www.pggwre.co.nz Licenced under the REAA 2008 practical learning is combined Min Cookson - 027 249 5417 with academic study. min.cookson@pggwrightson.co.nz Springfield Primary School and Darfield High School students both welcomed and thanked Ambassador Wang. They also assisted him in unveiling a new plaque at the Rewi Alley Memorial Park. The plaque was made in China and donated by the Christchurch Chinese Consulate. Lu Bao who sculpted the Springfield statue, along with her husband, Deng Bangzhen, were also special guests. Deng Bangzhen is a foster son of Rewi Alley. They presented Springfield School with a painting created by Bangzhen and a book of Bao’s sculptures. Other guests included Springfield Township Committee, Selwyn Sister City Committee, Malvern Community Board, Christchurch China Sister City Committee, members of the Alley whanau and friends from Auckland. It was also a time to celebrate the 50 years of Diplomatic Relations between New Zealand and China. Ambassador Wang also reminded those present of the important trading relationship for our two countries. Following the celebration, the Chinese guests went to Amberley, where Rewi Alley spent much of his childhood. The previous day, a Symposium in Christchurch celebrated Rewi Alley’s achievements and contributions over 60 years, to the Chinese people.

Madam He and Chinese Ambassador Wang accompanied by

Selwyn Sister City Chairperson Allison Rosanowski.

Carrying flowers to place at Rewi Alley Memorial statue. Photo courtesy of ‘Captive Moments’.