The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand

24/04/2026

ANZAC Day (25 April) is New Zealand’s War Memorial Day.

We especially remember Rewi Alley and his brother, Eric, on this day, the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during World War 1 (WW1)

Eric (Service No. WWI 9/239), served at Gallipoli and later on the Western Front, France, where he was tragically killed in action (on 17 June 1916).

Rewi (Service No. WWI 55386). enlisted in the army in February 1916, aged just 19 He served with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, also on the Western Front. He was awarded the Military Medal for courage and devotion to duty.

Rewi was wounded late in 1918. The result of those injuries and the memories of his war experiences stayed with him throughout his life. The photo below is of Rewi just after he returned to New Zealand after the war.

On ANZAC Day, we also remember all of the men and women who have served throughout the decades. Lest we forget.

View this video for more information about Eric and Rewi and their war service in The Great War (WW1): https://nzhistory.govt.nz/sites/default/files/videos/original/5-rewi-alley-april-2018.mp4

21/04/2026

On this day (21 April) in 1927, Rewi arrived in Shanghai. It was his first time in China.

He left New Zealand after what he described as "six years of loneliness and struggle" on his Moeawatea Farm in South Taranaki. His mother supported his decision to leave. Just before he boarded the ship, she said that it was "the best thing he could do, just go and try and find a new way of life". Little did she or Rewi know back then how much this new life would change history.

In the video below, the NZ Ambassador to China, His Excellency Dr Jonathan Austin, visits Rewi's former home in Shanghai and describes what happened next in Rewi's life:

Rewi Alley's residence in Shanghai, 1932 - 1937

18/04/2026

On this day (18 April) in 2017, 10 Alley cousins, their spouses and close family friends visited the memorial grave of their cousin and uncle, Rewi Alley, at Shandan, Gansu Province, China. It was a very emotional visit, where they each laid a yellow chrysanthemum on each of Rewi's and George Hogg's memorial tombs.

Later, the Alley cousins, spouses and friends visited the Rewi Alley Donated Relics Exhibition Hall. This contained 1000s of objects and artefacts donated by Rewi, according to his wishes which were stated in his Will.

16/04/2026

In April 2017, Jocelyn Alley-Watkin (the current Secretary and Ambassador for the Rewi Alley Foundation) was the Alley whānau (extended family) tour leader for a commemorative visit to China. This was in honour of a triple anniversary of their cousin and Uncle Rewi: 120 years since his birth, 90 years since his first arrival in China, and 30 years since his death.

The photo shows the 10 Alley cousins, along with their spouses and family friends, at Rewi's former 'cave house' in Shuangshipu (in Shaanxi Province). This is where he lived from 1938 - 1944, before moving to Shandan (in Gansu Province).

Foundation Secretary, Jocelyn, is centre in the photo (wearing a red jacket) and next to her is the Foundation's Vice-Patron, Chrissy Alley-Rogers.

12/03/2026

In 1916 (110 years ago), Rewi tried to enlist in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in World War 1. He attempted to advance his age to 20 (the usual age to enlist). His parents found out and he was turned down for enlistment. However, at the end of 1916 (aged only 19) he was accepted into military training.

In 2017, he joined the 28th Reinforcement and was shipped off into the war. He was later wounded during combat in France and was awarded the Military Medal

04/03/2026

Greatly saddened by the death of Mike Dawson, President of the NZ China Friendship Society. He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who truly understood and demonstrated his commitment to peace and friendship between the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand and China. He will be deeply missed. Obituary link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/vwo39fH5tw1HfFMVeKooUg

07/12/2025

It is in the trust deed that the Rewi Alley Foundation promotes education exchanges between China and New Zealand. On Saturday we were privileged to attend the China-New Zealand short film awards for learners of Chinese in Canterbury.

It was called “China Through My Eyes” Short Video Competition! 🎬✨
Madam He Ying had organised captivating lion dances and awe-inspiring face-changing performances, from heartfelt speeches to imaginative videos, and beaming smiles—our pool of talented young Kiwi creators truly shone with their creativity, curiosity, and boundless energy. 🌟

Together, we are all helping build a meaningful cultural bridge between China and Aotearoa, one story at a time.

Relive the magic by swiping through—the performances, the awards, the laughter, and those unforgettable moments that touched our hearts. ❤️📸

Madam He Ying has announced that there will be a competition next year. Time to start thinking about your video topic for 2026! 😉

06/12/2025

At the launch of the Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt at Tūranga at Christchurch City Libraries on Saturday, we surprised the kids with a specially designed word search puzzle, which was packed with clues about Rewi, Canterbury, and China. It was an absolute hit — little faces lit up as they circled each new discovery, and even the grown-ups couldn’t resist having a go. Such a fun way for everyone to dive a little deeper into Rewi’s world!

01/12/2025

2 December 2025: Happy 128th birthday to Rewi Alley. Photo: Rewi's Chinese family and New Zealand whānau met in Christchurch on 2 December 2017 to celebrate his 120th birthday together. A remarkable and special celebration.

01/12/2025

Adventure awaits for young explorers! The Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt isn’t your average history lesson — it’s a lively, hands-on quest created by the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand.

This world-first, uniquely Christchurch adventure takes children and their whānau on a self-guided journey through the city centre to uncover the life and legacy of Rewi Alley, who once went to school right here.

Along the way, kids become detectives of history — solving clues, spotting landmarks, and uncovering stories in the very places where Rewi once walked or are connected to him.

Saturday’s launch of this treasure hunt was an absolute delight. The smiles, excitement, and sheer joy on the faces of the children as they completed the hunt were wonderful to see. Their enthusiasm was matched by the amazing support from everyone who helped bring this project to life.

A huge and heartfelt thank you to Christchurch City Council, especially Deputy Mayor Victoria Henstock, Christchurch City Libraries (particularly Māia and Amber), Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee, the Children's University Australasia; also to our major sponsor the Yili Group, and many others who provided valuable expertise, resources and encouragement. Thank you. Your collaboration and support made all of this possible.

Congratulations to all — and especially the children and families who joined in with such energy and enthusiasm. What a fantastic beginning to a new Christchurch adventure that truly introduces Rewi Alley’s important story in a meaningful way for the next generation. Find out more: https://rewialleytrail.org/treasure-hunt/

30/11/2025

The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand is proud to be a partner with the Children's University.

Learn more about the Children's University.

Hundreds of young learners have proudly walked the stage at six Children's University Australasia graduation ceremonies over the past two weeks, cheered on by their families, teachers, and communities.

Each cap and gown represents hours of exploring, discovering, and learning beyond the classroom, proof that education doesn’t just happen at school, it happens everywhere.

From museums to marae, libraries to local parks, these graduates have followed their curiosity, built confidence and learned in ways that are fun, creative and inspiring.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, from our partners Lincoln University, to schools and the more than 155 learning destinations that open their doors to our children each year.

Thanks also to MP Hamish Campbell who joined the 26 November celebrations to congratulate the graduates and acknowledge the programme’s growing impact across our region.

To all of this year’s graduates, ka pai! You’ve made us all very proud 💜