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Rewi Alley a Son of Canterbury

Selwyn District – Springfield: Rewi Alley’s Birthplace

Springfield: Where it all began

Nestled in the Selwyn District, Springfield Village is where Rewi Alley was born on 2nd December 1897. This small Canterbury town holds a special place in history as the starting point of Rewi’s extraordinary journey.

Rewi Alley Memorial Park

Springfield is home to the Rewi Alley Memorial Park, a tribute to his legacy. The park features:

  • Rewi Alley Memorial: A stunning bas-relief sculpture commissioned for the 100th anniversary of Rewi’s birth. This work was created by artist Lu Bo, with the support of her husband, Deng Bangzhen (One of Rewi’s foster sons).

 

  • Memorial panels: These panels share Rewi’s story in both Chinese and English, offering visitors an informative and respectful insight into his life and achievements. The panels also include an audio feature for an immersive experience.

 

  • Clara Alley plaque: On the rear side of the bas-relief sculpture, a plaque honours Rewi’s mother, Clara Alley (née Buckingham). The plaque is surrounded by Camellia flowers, a nod to the Suffragette movement, of which Clara was a supporter.

Getting to Rewi Alley Memorial Park

Springfield is an easy drive from Christchurch:

  • By car: Approximately 55-60 minutes (64.9 km) via Old West Coast Road and State Highway 73.

 

  • Directions: Use Google Maps and type in “Christchurch, NZ to Springfield, NZ” for the most efficient route.

Hurunui District – Amberley: Rewi Alley’s early childhood home

Amberley: A place of early memories

Located in the Hurunui District, Amberley Township is where Rewi spent his early childhood from 1898 to 1907. His father served as the headmaster (principal) of Amberley School, where Rewi also attended.

Chamberlain Park: A tribute to Rewi Alley

  • Amberley’s Chamberlain Park is a site of reflection and celebration of Rewi’s legacy. Key features include:

  • Centenary Tree: A tree planted in 1997 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rewi Alley’s birth.

  • Schoolhouse Site: The location of the schoolhouse where Rewi Alley lived as a child.

  • Chinese Garden of Reflection and Friendship Bridge: Opened in 2017 during the 120th-anniversary celebrations, this serene garden and bridge honor Rewi’s connection to China and his childhood memories of playing by the stream.

  • Pounamu Touch Stone for Friendship: A gift to the park, this stone symbolizes the enduring friendship between New Zealand and China. Rewi Alley was a global ambassador for peace, speaking at international peace conferences during the 1960s.

  • Yin and Yang Mosaic: Created by the Hurunui Youth Council using local river stones, this mosaic represents the connection between Amberley and Rewi Alley. It is a tribute to his legacy in China and his contributions to New Zealand.

Rewi Alley’s Legacy in Amberley

Nestled in the Selwyn District, Springfield Village is where Rewi Alley was born on 2nd December 1897. This small Canterbury town holds a special place in history as the starting point of Rewi’s extraordinary journey.

Getting to Amberley Chamberlain Park

Amberley is a short drive from Christchurch:


By car: Approximately 39 minutes (46.2 km) via State Highway 1.

Directions: Use Google Maps and type in “Christchurch, NZ to Amberley, NZ” for the most efficient route.

Connecting Springfield and Amberley

If you’re exploring the Rewi Alley Trail, you can visit both Springfield and Amberley in one day. The scenic drive between the two locations offers a glimpse of Canterbury’s beautiful countryside and charming small towns:

  • From Springfield to Amberley: Approximately 1 hour 7 minutes (86.1 km) via Inland Scenic Route 72.

 

  • Directions: Use Google Maps and type in “Springfield, NZ to Amberley, NZ” for the best route.

One Man, One Legacy

From his humble beginnings on the Canterbury Plains, Rewi Alley’s journey took him across the world, where he became a symbol of peace, education, and cultural exchange. Visiting Springfield and Amberley offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of this extraordinary man and reflect on the values he championed.

Also visit the small towns of Canterbury that provide a snapshot of rural New Zealand all in one day.