Kaiapoi High School
Kaiapoi High School International Department joins KERA in planting pocket forests, supporting the re-establishment of native wildlife in the Kaiapoi East Red Zone Amenity
KERA is excited to announce its partnership with the Kaiapoi High School International Department (KHS.ID) to take on the role of community caretaker for a parcel of land in the Kaiapoi East Red Zone. This area has faced challenges since the September 2010 earthquake sequence.
The land is adjacent to the major post-earthquake regeneration project, Norman Kirk Park, which features extensive playing fields. Together, we aim to revitalize this space and contribute to the community’s recovery and growth.
Pocket Forests in the Kaiapoi East
KHS.ID will lead students to engage in a variety of exciting activities, including planting trees, managing weeds, and implementing pest control, all while adhering to the biodiversity plan developed by WDC. Depending on their age and skill level, students will research plants, invertebrates, and birds, as well as monitor the health of waterways and the return of native species to the area.
They will also explore the historical connections to Rewi Alley, who visited Kaiapoi as a child from Amberley, and to former Kaiapoi Mayor and Prime Minister Norman Kirk. Because of the direct connection to Kaiapoi with Norman Kirk, the first New Zealand Prime Minister to diplomatically acknowledge China and former Mayor of Kaiapoi. The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand will provide support where possible via the teachings of Rewi Alley and his hands and minds philosophy.
These hands-on activities in nature will enhance the students’ physical and mental well-being, fostering deeper connections with the land and their communities. This inter-generational project is rooted in kaitiakitanga, which emphasizes guardianship of the environment and the interconnectedness of people and nature.
This initiative will formally commence on the 1st of July, 2025.
The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand
The Rewi Alley Foundation of New Zealand is committed to preserving the Rewi Alley Legacy, particularly in Canterbury.
The Foundation supports this initiative for several key reasons:
1) Youth Engagement and Education: It focuses on young people and their learning, applying Rewi’s Hands and Mind methodology. This approach, developed in China, effectively blends academic study with practical tasks, enhancing the learning experience.
2) Historical Connections: It honors the legacy of Norman Kirk, the Prime Minister who established diplomatic relations with China in 1972, with Rewi’s support.
3) Creating Lasting Connections: This initiative aims to weave together these meaningful ties, fostering a unique legacy for Kaiapoi and Canterbury.
Kaiapoi High School
Kaiapoi High School embraces values such as Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Maungateretanga, and Tuakana-Teina. These values are interconnected and focus on building positive relationships and a strong community centered around respect, integrity, and excellence.
How can the wider community help?
We will be requiring gardening tools for this project, i.e., spades, forks, and shovels to assist with planting; secateurs and weed eaters; and several lawn mowers to define the walking paths between the pocket forests. If you are shifting, downsizing, or estate clearing and would like to donate the above-listed items to support this community project, please contact us.
Wildlife images by Angela Torrie of At The Lens Photography
Kaiapoi resident, photographer and bird/nature watcher
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