Meet our board of trustees, patrons and advisors who come from all walks of life in Aotearoa/New Zealand Society
TRUSTEES
Michelle MacWilliam: Chairperson
Michelle is a founding trustee of the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand.
She is also Chair of the Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee and a member of the executive committee for the New Zealand China Trade Association. Michelle was an active member of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society until 2021. She was a long-serving member of the Christchurch Branch Committee and served a term as a branch President.
With her in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship and marketing, including for digital platforms, Michelle is focussed on rejuvenating Rewi Alley’s legacy so that his many achievements and qualities are recognised and acknowledged appropriately in 21st Century Aotearoa/New Zealand.
As a born and bred Cantabrian, she feels that the landscapes and people of Canterbury are part of our collective national history, including how we are viewed by the rest of the world. Rewi’s story is a key part of this.
Michelle was also on the Board of Governance for West Christchurch Women Refuge and chair for six years. Currently, she is Secretary for the Christchurch Business Club and is Chair of the Kaiapoi East Residents Association. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, mountain biking and golf.
Jocelyn Alley-Watkin: Secretary
Dip Teaching, MBA
Jocelyn is a cousin to Rewi Alley. Her father, Digger Alley, was a 1st cousin to Rewi.
In 2017, Jocelyn arranged and led the Alley family’s commemorative tour of China in memory of Rewi. She has also organised three 4WD trips for her cousins to Rewi’s remote farming whare (cottage) in Moeawatea, Taranaki.
She supports the work of the foundation to ensure that Rewi’s name and legacy are appropriately honoured and remembered.
In addition, Jocelyn brings to the foundation a wealth of business experience in marketing, sponsorship, communications and fund-raising. She is also a qualified instructor in the Chinese arts of qigong and tai chi chuan/taiji.
Jocelyn grew up in New Plymouth, Taranaki, and now lives in Auckland with her husband. She has ancestral connections to Canterbury. Her father was born in Christchurch and his mother’s ancestors arrived there in 1851 and settled in Kaiapoi.
William McQiu
BSc
William is a founding trustee of the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand. He is also the Deputy Chair of the Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee and the Vice President of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, Christchurch Branch.
Rewi Alley was a role model for William. He is deeply inspired by Rewi’s huge contribution over decades to the Chinese people, especially during the difficult time of the Second World War. The enduring spirit of Rewi has encouraged him to continue promoting and strengthening the friendship between Kiwis and Chinese.
William brings wide-ranging skills and expertise to the foundation with his well-rounded experience in business, international trading, farming, animal health, tourism, education, arts, community, and cultural exchanges between Aotearoa/New Zealand and China.
He feels that Rewi’s legacy is a taonga (a treasure), which belongs in the hearts of all who know of him. As such, his memory should be protected, honoured and promoted appropriately.
Christchurch has been William’s home for over thirty years.
Marie is a founding trustee of the Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand and also the Mayor of the Hurunui District (where Rewi spent his childhood).
She believes that the life and legacy of Rewi Alley, especially his unbreakable connections to the district and Canterbury, are worthy of protection and appropriate promotion, which will be consolidated by the foundation.
Her endorsement as a trustee is to support the link between the district and the foundation, which is anchored through the sister-district relationships in China and a Memorandum of Understanding with the foundation.
As mayor, she also supports the tangible links between the district and the foundation, particularly related to trade, tourism and primary production.
Marie was born in the Hurunui District and has lived there all of her life. She has farmed with her husband, who is a sheep farmer. She is the mother of four adult children and has eight grandchildren.
MBA, Chartered Accountant (CA), Graduate Diploma in Commerce, BCom
Justin is an ardent admirer of Rewi Alley’s achievements in promoting peace, education, and cultural exchange between the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand and China. He is committed to supporting the foundation’s mission to protect and preserve Rewi’s incredible legacy.
His financial management expertise and valuable experience in real-life business will further support and advance the vital work of the foundation.
Justin was born in Guangzhou and moved to New Zealand with his family when he was aged 13.
He still has relatives in China and is a regular customer of several different Chinese businesses and media platforms in New Zealand. These connections have deepened his appreciation of the importance of friendship and understanding between people of different cultures and his determination to find ways for wide-ranging communities and people to work together in the spirt of Rewi Alley.
Justin lives in Auckland and enjoys time with family, playing basketball, and taking his dog for walks in his neighbourhood.
Vinson Chao Yu: Assistant Treasurer
Justice of the Peace
Vinson is a passionate advocate for and supporter of Rewi Alley’s legacy. He actively works towards cultivating and strengthening the friendship between the people of China and New Zealand.
He offers extensive expertise in designing and implementing community programmes and has made a significant contribution with culturally-tailored initiatives that engage the Chinese community.
Vinson is a long-term resident of East Auckland, who originally came to Aotearoa/New Zealand for study. Following a successful business career in New Zealand, he now dedicates himself to community work, particularly for people’s well-being.
He is actively involved and connected with a number of diverse communities, including board membership with the Howick & Districts Historical Society. He has key role with “Sport Auckland”, delivering sport and recreation programmes for the Asian community and works as a community service assistant at Pakuranga Library.
Vinson has two children and lives in Howick, Auckland.
BA, Dip Ed, Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, Dip Teaching
Allison is the Chairperson of the Selwyn District Council Sister City Committee. The district is home to Rewi Alley’s birthplace, in Springfield, and is also a sister city of Shandan, in Gansu province, China.
She has full and comprehensive experience in teaching and education, including several years as a principal. Her aims as a trustee of the foundation are to represent Selwyn and to continue to provide leadership in fostering and building strong, interwoven links between education, the district, Canterbury and Gansu.
When principal of Darfield High School, Allison established a sister-school relationship with Shandan Bailie Vocational College. Rewi started the original Shandan Bailie School, in 1943, later becoming its principal.
Allison has visited Shandan many times and, over many years, has hosted numerous adults and students from the area on educational visits to Selwyn.
She was born in Canterbury and has a life-long connection to the area, with family and ancestral roots in rural Canterbury.
PhD, MSc, BE
Fujun became inspired by Rewi Alley while on a youth exchange programme to China in 2011, which included a visit Rewi’s former residence in Beijing.
He strongly feels that people-to-people relationships are vital for greater understanding between those of different cultures. He became a trustee of the foundation to further support understanding between Kiwis and Chinese and to also help promote and protect Rewi’s legacy in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Fujun’s in-depth knowledge and experience includes sustainable rural development, environmental protection, tourism, community development, and executive education. This expertise and his connections in China were invaluable when assisting the Hurunui District Council (in Canterbury) to initiate and develop their sister district/city relationship with Honghu City in China.
Fujun has made New Zealand his home since 2005. He grew up in Anyang, China, and now lives in Lincoln, Canterbury, with his wife and son. He loves hiking and is a volunteer for New Zealand Conservation Trust.
Paul Connolly
LLB
Paul is a barrister and solicitor with over 40 years’ experience in both Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australia. He is also a member of the NZ Law Society fit and proper persons panel.
He provides professional advice to the foundation on a number of legal matters including duties of trustees, compliance with trust deeds and trust law, succession law, and copyright.
As a practicing lawyer and partner of a law firm in Auckland that has a wide range of Chinese clients, Paul has travelled several times for work to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Paul lives in Auckland with his partner and two Labradors. He has connections to Canterbury with family living in Temuka and Geraldine.
His interests include travel, politics, sport, dogs, gardening and anything to do with food! He is a fan of Australian Football League and a member of Blues Rugby.
The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand Honorary Patron
Bruce Ullrich
O.B.E, B.Com., MBA., Dist. F.Inst.D, FCA., FIANZ., Hon. Professor Shanxi University of TCM and Beijing Open University
Bruce’s lifelong fascination with China and commitment to building meaningful international connections made him a natural choice for patron of the foundation.
He accepted the role with deep respect for the foundation’s work in appropriately honouring Rewi Alley’s legacy, especially its commitment to fostering people-to-people relationships between China and New Zealand through Canterbury’s sister-city networks.
With decades of leadership, governance, and business expertise, Bruce has made a significant contribution in both national and international arenas.
He has made nearly 40 visits to China, championing New Zealand and speaking at major conferences about our country’s place in the world, and helping to develop strong inter-governmental and educational links. In 2006, was made an honorary professor of two Chinese universities.
Bruce has also represented New Zealand interests in business and sport across many parts of the globe. He is a former partner of the international accounting firm KPMG and also served as chef de mission for three New Zealand teams to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
He was a member of three international business councils and also a director of several companies in New Zealand and China (and previously in Australia), spanning sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, tourism, trade, education, and publishing.
Bruce has lived most of his life in Christchurch and has made enduring contributions to Canterbury’s civic and educational institutions, including generous pro bono work in support of local communities.
He is a past president of the University of Canterbury Alumni Association, a long-serving member of the university’s council, and a former chairman of the Christchurch Boys’ High School Board of Governors.
In the 1970s, he was vice-chair of the organising committee for the 10th Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch, and in the 1980s, served on the Gansu–Christchurch Sister City Committee.
Bruce was married to Jeannette for nearly 58 years until her passing in 2020. Together, they raised three children and greatly enjoyed time with their six grandchildren.
Vice Patrons
Duan Hailong / Michael Duan
As the eldest grandson of Rewi Alley, I have been deeply cared for by my grandfather since I was a child. In the last ten years of his life, I cared for and looked after him until he peacefully passed away.
Rewi Alley is not only the spiritual pillar of the family, but also a mentor and helpful friend to all the descendants of the family. He always warned us: “Don’t use the name of Rewi Alley to do ostentatious things, and don’t use his name to seek commercial interests” – this family motto has become a code of conduct that we abide by and will do so for generations to come.
Since its establishment, The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand has always adhered to the “Rewi Alley spirit” and has made outstanding achievements to protect his legacy and heritage and to promote his humble spirit.
Rewi Alley devoted his life to China’s industrial cooperation movement, vocational and technical education, rural development, ecological governance and world peace. He conducted in-depth research in poverty-stricken areas, submitted practical suggestions and reports to the government, and devoted all his efforts to improving China’s rural environment and enhancing the friendship between the people of China and New Zealand.
As a descendant, I will lead my family to fully support the work of the Foundation and to carry on my grandfather’s legacy with the right action.
Biographical note: Hailong’s father was Duan Shimou (Alan), Rewi’s first adopted son. As the oldest son of Shimou and his wife Alia, Hailong is the Duan family’s official representative on The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand
Chrissy Alley-Rogers
Chrissy is a cousin to Rewi Alley. Her father, Bert Alley, was a 1st cousin to Rewi.
As Vice Patron, she provides support and assistance to the foundation and to the sister-cities committees of Christchurch, Hurunui and Selwyn, which includes welcoming delegations from China.
This includes:
- May 2024 in Springfield (Selwyn District): She helped to welcome Mr Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC.
- Also in May 2024, in Christchurch, Selwyn District and Hurunui District: She hosted Ms Luyi Duan (representative of Rewi’s adopted Duan Family)
- Also in May 2024: With Ms Luyi Duan, Ms Jocelyn Alley-Watkin and other representatives of the Foundation, Chrissy met with Consul General Madam He, at the Christchurch Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, to share their knowledge and family stories about Rewi.
- In December 2023, in Christchurch, Selwyn District and Hurunui District, she helped to welcome Mr Michael Duan (Rewi’s grandson and representative of Rewi’s adopted Duan family) during the official launch of the Foundation.
- In August 2023, at Springfield, Canterbury. She helped to welcome Mr Huai Jinpeng, The Minister of Education, of the People’s Republic of China.
In January 2022, along with other members of the Alley family, Chrissy made a special trip to visit Rewi’s remote farming cottage in Moeawatea, Taranaki.
In April 2017, she was an active participant in the Alley family’s commemorative tour of China in memory of Rewi. At an event in Lanzhou to honour Rewi’s life and legacy, she gave a presentation on Rewi’s Last Will and Testament
Chrissy has lived in Rangiora, Canterbury, since 1987
Chrissy also has ancestral connections to Canterbury. Her father was born in Christchurch and his mother’s ancestors arrived there in 1851 and settled in Kaiapoi.
The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand Advisory Patron
Eric Livingstone
BCom, Chartered Accountant, Honorary Professor Lanzhou City University
He is inspired by Rewi’s values and achievements, and keen to promote and preserve his legacy for all.
Eric has had connections to China and Rewi Alley for over 40 years, hosting many Chinese delegations and visiting China 17 times.
He is a life member of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society and was its national president from 2008 to 2013.
Eric has been a member of the Christchurch Gansu Friendly Relations Committee for 20 years, including three as chairman.
While he was chairman of the Christchurch Gansu Sister City Committee, which organised the 100th Anniversary commemorations of Rewi’s birth in 1997, the Springfield memorial was unveiled and a biography of Rewi was published.
In 2017, he was chairman of the organising committee for Rewi’s 120th Anniversary, which was attended by eight Chinese delegations, New Zealand’s Governor General and members of Rewi’s Chinese and New Zealand families.
He has lived in Christchurch since 1960 and has interests in art, travel and photography.
The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand Honorary Supporter
Mark Errington
BCom
Mark has a family connection to Rewi Alley. His great aunt’s husband, Alfred Buckingham, was a first cousin to Rewi. He met Rewi at the home of these Buckingham relatives.
He feels strongly that Rewi’s story is aspirational for young people.
Mark worked in Africa with the International Red Cross, which introduced him to humanitarian work. These experiences taught him how an ordinary man could make a little difference that could start a big change.
He has extensive managerial experience in business, project management, marketing, commercial property, and NGO governance.
Mark is a 5th generation Cantabrian and lives in Akaroa. He is actively involved in his community as a founding trustee of the Banks Peninsula Early Learning Trust, a member of the Akaroa Volunteer Fire Brigade, and a past president to both Akaroa Lions and Kartsport Canterbury.
He visited China on a photographic tour. His interests include motorsport, walking and travel.
