A snapshot of Rewi Alley’s legacy for his achievements in China and Rewi’s importance to New Zealand 

Rewi’s Achievements in China

  • Saved the lives and health of many child workers as a factory inspector in Shanghai.
  • Rewi’s personal efforts in famine and flood relief in Hubei Province saved hundreds and thousands of lives.
  • Established the Gung Ho Industrial Cooperatives during the anti-Japanese war.
  • Promoted hands and mind education approach to peasant children.
  • Was China’s Peace Ambassador for ten years, speaking at international conferences.
  • Advocated for China through books, poems and articles during China’s isolation.
  • Wrote over sixty books and numerous poems on China.
  • Received honorary  Doctor of Literature for translation of Chinese Classical Poetry.
  • Revered as one of the top ten  foreign friends during sixty years (1949-2009)
  • Honoured by all of China’s leaders since 1949 including President Xi Jinping
  • The first foreigner to be made an Honorary  Citizen of Beijing.
  • Over 30  memorials, museums, colleges, and streets as well as statues of Rewi Alley throughout China.

Rewi’s Importance to New Zealand

  • Established “Old Friend” status for New Zealand amongst China’s leaders.
  • Foresaw New Zealand’s future as being alongside China’s emergence as a world leader
  • New Zealand became the first country to sign a free trade agreement with China.
  • Encouraged New Zealanders to build bridges with Chinese people.
  • Worked to improve diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China.
  • Promoted the formation of the New Zealand China Friendship Society in 1952
  • Chinese Government established 1 Million RMB, Rewi Alley Friendship and Exchange Fund in 2012.
  • Encouraged the formation of the Christchurch City and Gansu Province Sister City Relationship
  • The first senior Chinese leader to visit New Zealand came to Canterbury-Rewi Alley’s home province.
  • Established a significant collection of Chinese artefacts at Canterbury Museum.
  • Honoured by the New Zealand Government, with a QSO.
  • In 2023, the Chinese Education Minster visited Canterbury for the reestablishment of educational connectivity post-COVID.
  • Many statues and memorials to  Rewi Alley in New Zealand, especially in Canterbury.