Happyzine 2015 = exciting times ahead

The ReGeneration Roadtrip crew on the steps of the Kaikoura High Marae

By Lani Evans

Hello from Kaikoura!

Canterbury is the penultimate destination on the ReGeneration Roadies South Island tour and wow, what an adventure! Just over a month ago this region
was hit by one of the biggest tragedies New Zealand has ever seen, but the city continues to thrive amidst adversity.

The most obvious change in Christchurch is the city’s physical structure – buildings are down, roads are rugged and the centre of the city is still
cordoned off – but the thing I noticed the most was the vibe. There was a level of friendliness and generosity that you don’t often see. People look each other in
the eye and nod or smile as they walk down the street. Drivers slow down to let other cars in. People at our events described the terror of the earthquake, but
also the new connections that it has created. One woman told me how she was now good friends with neighbours she’d never known, about how the ‘naughty’ kids on the street had turned out to be so helpful and about the overwhelming offers of support she had received from around the country.

This is a huge tragedy and recovering from the earthquake will be a long and difficult process, but it also seems that Canterbrians are embracing the
opportunity to re-imagine their place. It was inspiring to meet up with the crew from the YMCA and the White Elephant Trust and see how they’re stepping up to the task. They’re busy getting young people engaged in planning the future of their city and helping to ensure the youth voice is heard. We had the pleasure of spending Saturday with 50 of their crew, jamming on future possibilities, leadership and generally having an awesome time.

Kicking it at the Groynes – a co-facilitated event with ReGen, the YMCA and the White Elephant Trust

We also caught up with the wonderfully courageous Ruth Gardner. Ruth is the manager at Volunteer Canterbury and she has been living behind the cordon for 40 days now. Check out her story here… http://www.regeneration.org.nz/in_your_region/canterbury

Thanks Canterbury for reminding me how resilient people are and how tough stuff often brings out the inner radness. And thanks to awesome crew at
Kaikoura High School for your hospitality, we loved staying at your marae, Te Poho O Te Matauranga.

Tags: regeneration