Wow, it feels like a lot has been happening since the last newsletter went out to you all. Below is a summary of happenings with the Ren Xue Centre Project:

Centre design update 

Planning is progressing well with the Architectural Team underway, which includes the engagement of many different consultants.

In January, a meeting was arranged with architect Hugh Tennent, Yuan Tze, Melissa, Rosie and Cat to visit Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Otaki, Wellington. The meeting created an opportunity to ensure the architectural team has a solid understanding of Ren Xue principles to support their design of the Ren Xue Centre.

It was a very worthwhile day, allowing us to see many of the elements that could be used in the design for the Ren Xue Centre. It was also very important to connect Hugh and Yuan Tze.

The planning has now moved from the concept design to the preliminary design, which is required before we begin on the detailed design. Below is a sneak preview.

Feasibility Study 

A Feasibility Study for the planning and development of the Centre has been completed and received by the Steering Group and the RXAA Board. Much gratitude is owed to the donor, who requested this be undertaken. This will be a very useful document as we move into the operation planning for the Centre.

Strategic planning

Communications, Volunteer and Fundraising strategies and implementation plans have been drafted to inform our work programme for 2026/27. Many members of the Ren Xue community have had input into these documents and we thank you to everyone involved. We really appreciate your ongoing support and interest in the project.

Website

We now have a new website for the Centre Ren Xue Centre Australasia - Home. We are still refining some things, and we welcome any feedback you have.

What would you like to see there? Send your feedback to: info@renxueaustralasia.org

What’s coming up?

We will be focusing on progressing the planning for a staged approach to the Centre construction. We will keep you updated as this develops, so watch this space!

The road from the State Highway across the Farm to the Centre site is due to start construction in the first week of March. This is exciting as it will be our first physical construction work for the project.

Planning permission from Tasman Council is being prepared to incorporate changes to the design and layout, and activities to include education as a focus of the Centre.

As we move from vision and design into the construction phase, we invite you to help make the Ren Xue Centre a reality. Your financial partnership would play a vital role in bringing this project to life. If you feel called to contribute, please contact: Cat catherine.alker@renxueaustralasia.org or Rosie rosie.bartlett@renxueaustralasia.org to learn more.

Staff

We welcomed Claire Stewart to our team last year to help us with some of the endless administration that a project like this seems to generate. Claire is amazing, super-fast at processing anything we ask of her and has a keen interest in Ren Xue and learning from our team (thanks especially to Steve Campbell and Cat). Claire is a mum of two (very cute) kids, lives in Auckland and manages to give us 10 hours per week of her precious time.

Ren Xue Farm update

We are excited for our 2022-2026 previous Farm Manager, Steve Lee and fellow farmer Jackie Blunt to begin their new adventure managing a farm of their own. Lucky for us, they are still around and fully supportive of the Project, including the Farm and the Centre development.  The project would not be where it is today without their incredible commitment, hard work and passion for Ren Xue and the Project.

Many of you have spent time on the farm gaining a greater appreciation of the Project and what’s involved with managing a Ren Xue Farm in Mohua/Golden Bay, New Zealand. Recently, many people have helped Steve and Jackie and the animals in their transition between farms, we would especially like to thank Renee, Genevieve, Marie-Laure, Tim, Leo, Verena, Forest, Mariette, Rainer, Findal, Helen, Cat, Rosie, Steve C, Trina, Mary and Stewart, Emily, Nigel and Charlie, Simon and Jeanne, Gui and his girls, Debby Sanders and family, Jackie’s cousin Kate and husband Rick, and Ariel. Your efforts, friendship and connections are so much appreciated. 

We have recently appointed a new Farm Manager, Jeremy Rickett. Jeremy is a local Golden Bay farmer and is well known and liked by Steve and Jackie, who will support him in his role. Welcome Jeremy!

Villa update

We have a new email address for Villa enquiries: villa@renxueaustralasia.org

Tim Langley is helping to manage things at the Villa. You can contact him at the email address above.

More information or questions

As we work on our communications strategy, we want to ensure that everyone who has questions or would like more information on the project has direct contact with our team.

Please feel free to make contact with us through info@renxueaustralasia.org