Our Values 

“One man … born on the Canterbury Plains … later moved to China … and became an outstanding inspiration for good.”

Establishment of Foundation:   The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand was established to respect and protect the name of Rewi Alley and to support his legacy in accordance with the wishes of his whānau (extended family).

Canterbury origins:   We honour and promote his significant connections to the Canterbury region and how these contributed to and shaped him to become the man he was.

The trustees and patrons of the foundation all have links and affinity with Canterbury, China and/or are Rewi’s whānau.

A New Zealand story:   In the minds of all who call Aotearoa/New Zealand their home, our vision is for the name and legacy of Rewi Alley to belong as one of our own New Zealand stories.

Preservation of tangible items with Rewi connections:   In time, the foundation will become a depository for tangible items and artefacts that relate to Rewi Alley. People can ask and instruct us to be the guardians of their personal collections, whether these are images, art, letters, books and other legacy items or memorabilia with the long-term understanding that they will be available for research, inspiration and to promote Rewi’s legacy for the good of all.

The foundation honours Canterbury’s tangible connection to Rewi Alley, and acknowledges the need to preserve the personal knowledge of people as we prepare for an intergenerational change.

Image: The building in the background is the Arts Centre located in Christchurch City. It backs onto the former Christchurch Boys High School, which Rewi Alley attended and it is opposite the Canterbury Museum, which houses the most extensive collection in the southern hemisphere of Chinese antiquities. The vast majority of these artefacts were generously donated by Rewi Alley.