Visitors stand with floral wreath

The great granddaughter of Selwyn resident Rewi Alley helped mark the ongoing relationship between Springfield and China in a special ceremony with the Chinese Minister of International Relations of the Central Congress last month.

Alley, born in Springfield, spent 60 years working in China, where he adopted two boys.

Luyi Duan, the great granddaughter of one of the boys visited Springfield on 25 May with Minister Liu Jianchao for a special ceremony including guests from the Selwyn Sister City Committee, Malvern Community Board, Christchurch City Council and Ara Institute of Canterbury. Minister Liu and Springfield students Eli and Lora Cooper planted a gingko tree and Mayor Sam Broughton assisted with laying a wreath.

Sam spoke about Selwyn's strong growth and how the region is a great place to live and do business.

Luyi is a universtiy assistant professor and lawyer specialising in Intellectual Property Law. Her name is a Chinese derivation of Rewi. She was accompanied by two Alley family members on her visit.

She also visited Darfield High School, which is a Sister School with Shandan Bailie Vocational College, established by her great grandfather.

Last modified: 24 Jun 2024 12:14pm