NauMai comes from the Māori phrase, ‘Nau mai’. It’s a welcome and an invitation to come forward and be part of something special.

Join us on an exciting edcuational  journey that is based and reflects the “Hands and mind together – create and analyse” concept created by educationalist Joesph Bailie and further developed by Rewi Alley in China. Also, learn about the Rewi Alley’s tangible connection to Canterbury and how that connection is interwined with his travels and activites in China for over sixty years.

Hands and Minds Together – Create and Analyse project: Darfield High School Initiative.

The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand is supporting Darfield High School  (a rural school in Canterbury) to introduce the teaching methodology pioneered by Rewi Alley, which is called, “Hands and Minds Together – Create and Analyse” (Hands and Mind)

A pilot course has been developed as innovative way to trial this way of learning at Darfield High school. This course will teach the history and creative use of raranga (flax weaving techniques).

The Children’s University Project

The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand is partnering with the Children’s University to create a two-part engaging online programme and digital portal designed for children and young people to explore the life and legacy of Rewi Alley in Canterbury.

Here are the two parts to this programme:

1. Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt: A dynamic outdoor activity using clues, website links, and QR codes, akin to a treasure hunt, which will lead youngsters and their families around significant sites in Canterbury to uncover and learn about the life and legend of Rewi Alley, and in a way that will inspire optimism, determination and resilience.
2. Interactive Digital Portal: This portal will captivate young minds, guiding them through a series of age-appropriate tasks that spark curiosity, encourage research, and develop interpretation/problem solving skills.

Endorsed by the Children’s University—a joint initiative by Canterbury and Lincoln Universities—our programme aligns with their mission to promote and facilitate enriching educational experiences beyond the classroom. By supporting our initiative, you will help inspire the next generation of curious and informed young learners.

Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt

The Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt is an exciting educational initiative for students (aged 7 – 14) to complete as part of the Children’s University programme. This treasure hunt is about Rewi Alley, a prominent New Zealand social reformer and educator who had a significant impact in China.

The treasure hunt involves a self-guided walking route around Christchurch City that allows students to explore and learn about Rewi Alley’s life and work, as well as the history and culture of the Canterbury region. The next stage will include a family excursion further a field to Sprinfield and Amberley. This type of hands-on, experiential learning can be highly engaging and impactful for young students.

The Children’s University is an international programme that encourages and recognizes extracurricular learning and skill development for children and young people up tothe age of 14. By completing the Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt, students can earn credits or badges towards their Children’s University achievements, which can help motivate them to explore new topics and activities outside of the traditional classroom setting.

Overall, the Rewi Alley Treasure Hunt is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about an important New Zealand figure, while also getting out into the local community and environment. Experiential learning initiatives like this can be incredibly valuable for sparking students’ curiosity and helping them develop a deeper appreciation for their local and national heritage.

Interactive Digital Portal

Our programme aims to enrich the Canterbury community, especially its children and young people, by deepening their understanding of local history. This enhanced knowledge will foster a greater sense of belonging and well-being. By delving into the multifaceted story of Rewi Alley, participants will develop a stronger cultural identity and recognize that everyone has a role to play in their community.

This project has broad appeal, bridging generational and cultural divides, strengthening the ties between different cultures and especially welcoming of newer migrants and settlers from China. Key aspects include:

• Cultural Exchange: Rewi’s name was inspired by the great Waikato Māori Chief, Rewi Maniapoto, symbolizing the rich tapestry of our shared heritage.

• Women’s Rights Legacy: Rewi’s mother Clara Buckingham Alley was a suffragette, connecting New Zealand’s pioneering role in women’s rights to our local history.

• War and Remembrance: Rewi and his brother Eric’s service in World War I, with Eric’s ultimate sacrifice, ties into the ANZAC tradition and its enduring significance.

• Global Impact: Rewi’s journey from the Canterbury Plains to China highlights Canterbury’s international connections and his legacy as an outstanding inspiration for good.

• Agricultural Innovation: Rewi’s role in the live export of New Zealand sheep to China helped to revolutionise Chinese agriculture, significantly improving their breeding stock and showcasing the innovative spirit of Canterbury’s farming community.

•  Understanding  people-to-people diplomacy with  learning about the Sister Cities movement in Christchurch and Canterbury and their tangible connections to China because of Rewi Alley.

Through this programme, we aim to celebrate our diverse heritage, strengthen community bonds, and inspire a new generation that they too can contribute to Canterbury’s future.

Our Interactive Digital Portal: is based an educational programme developed for the 120th Anniversary of Rewi Alley’s birth and was the collaborative work of Margaret Austin CNZM CRSNZ and our Advisory Patron Mr Eric Livingstone.

Both parts of this programme are endorsed by the Canterbury-based sister-city committees of Christchurch, Selwyn, and Hurunui. These committees have established long-term relationships with several towns, cities, and regions in China, reflecting their deep, tangible connection to Rewi Alley and his legacy.

This education programme will be rolled out in two stages and available via the Children’s Univserty portal when the link is avaiable.

To complete both parts of this programme we need your help. Please donate today to  ensure we can engage with future learners about Rewi Alley and Canterbury and our connections with China.