We are excited to update you on what’s been happening in Golden Bay and with the Project and the Centre development at Onekaka.

Ren Xue Education - The Foundation

The recent Ren Xue Education Course, held in Mōhua/Golden Bay, brought together 30 people in person and 200 online to explore the vision of wisdom-based education. The course fostered connection, heartfelt understanding, and hope for future generations. It was empowering to be part of something that has the potential to create real change in the world by helping people clear ignorance and live in harmony with themselves, with others, and with nature.

This has always been a key part of the vision for the Ren Xue Centre. Yuan Tze shared the importance of the centre serving as a base for the ongoing training and education of teachers, integrating with the wider vision for Ren Xue education and helping it to flourish.

First step in Centre construction - a driveway to the site!

A milestone worth celebrating! On Friday 13 March we invited neighbours, community partners and the local Ren Xue community to celebrate the first construction project marking the beginning of the Ren Xue Centre development. A driveway to the Centre site!

Despite the rain, many came ready to celebrate with a hot drink and cake. We were so pleased with the turnout. What a beautiful reminder of the support and passion from the local community.

Here’s to new beginnings, strong foundations, and the journey ahead.

Preliminary Design renders

In April, architect Hugh Tennent of Tennent Brown Architects presented the preliminary design renders to the Ren Xue Australasia Board, as well as to Yuan Tze and Melissa, receiving strong approval and enthusiasm for the vision and design direction.

Here are some renders that show you the centre in the wider context of the beautiful site in Onekaka and showing the main hall. We are so impressed!

Next steps

The RXAA Board has decided to proceed with the developed design while simultaneously applying for an amendment to the Resource Consent. This amendment will allow for design changes including a new road layout, additional land, and a two-storey building. This work will continue to lay the foundations for the project as funds are raised for construction.

How you can support the Centre development

The Centre will be built in stages, with stages 1a and 1b providing a fully functional facility and accommodation for up to 70 people. These stages are estimated to cost NZ$38 million.

Currently, approximately $5 million has been raised through generous donations, including the support of one founding partner who has committed $500,000 over three years. This contribution has been integral to the work completed so far and has enabled important milestones to be achieved.

However, by November we will need to pause progress if sufficient funding is not available to proceed with the building consent phase.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support that has brought the project to this point. As work continues, further donations and partnerships will help carry this vision forward and enable the next stages to unfold. Every contribution, large or small, plays a meaningful part in helping create a centre that can serve generations to come.

If you feel called to contribute, please contact: Cat catherine.alker@renxueaustralasia.org to learn more.

Ren Xue Centre Steering Group

Our wonderful Steering Group, who have guided and supported the project over the last few years, have now dispersed to make space for new structures that can better reflect both the evolving needs of the project and their own skills, capacities, and commitments at this stage.

This transition includes the formation of a dedicated Farm Management Group, who will focus on the day-to-day stewardship, operational planning, and long-term care of the land and farm systems as the project continues to grow and evolve.

We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary commitment, wisdom, and stewardship our Steering Group members have brought to the project. Their generosity, care, and vision have helped shape where we are today, and we value their ongoing support, connection, and presence within the wider community.

Farewell to Rosie Bartlett

Goodbyes are never easy, and it was especially sad to farewell Rosie Bartlett from her role as Centre Project Manager. Rosie has done an outstanding job, working closely with contractors, the Centre Steering Group, planning authorities, and the wider Ren Xue community to help bring the vision of the Centre into being.

It has been a role requiring the balancing of many moving parts, and Rosie has carried it with great skill and dedication. Her ability to build strong working relationships, keep us focused and moving forward, and bring warmth, humour, and kindness to all she did has been truly valued.

We thank Rosie sincerely for all she has contributed and wish her every success and happiness in her future endeavours.

Welcome to Matthew McClymont - Project Manager

Matthew McClymont joined us late last month as Centre Project Manager, on a 6-month contract. Matthew lives in Nelson with his wife Dani and dog Billy. Matthew brings a practical and values-driven approach to the Ren Xue Project Manager role. He has previously led initiatives that connect diverse groups, working alongside iwi, local organisations, and stakeholders to deliver projects that support wellbeing, environmental outcomes, and social cohesion. He is particularly drawn to work that strengthens connection between people, place, and purpose, and looks forward to supporting the growth of the Ren Xue community.   In his free time, you might catch him attempting to play a flute, immersed in a podcast, walking his dog or rucking in the hill behind his home.

Ren Xue Farm update

In February we updated you on the appointment of our new Farm Manager Jeremy Rickett. Jeremy is doing a wonderful job with the support of Steve Lee and the Farm Management Group..

Since February, we’ve sold 70 animals — a strong milestone and a great reflection of the continued growth across the farm.

We’ve also recently introduced another 10 beehives beside the main apple orchard. Not only will they play an important role in improving pollination, but bees also bring incredible balance and vitality to a property like ours. Their impact on productivity and biodiversity is something we deeply value.

Another exciting addition is our brand-new 11m x 4m greenhouse. We’re still exploring the best use for the space, but current ideas include tamarillos and finger limes — with a few other possibilities still being debated. It will be exciting to see what develops over the coming months.

Environmental planting continues to be a major focus as well, with another 1,000 native trees about to go into the ground. These plantings will strengthen shelter, improve biodiversity, and continue enhancing the landscape for the future.

And of course, one of the biggest projects currently underway is the start of the Centre driveway development — a significant step forward that will open up even more opportunities for the property moving ahead.

Ren Xue Villa

It was wonderful to have a full house of guests at the Villa for the 10-day Education Course. We are always delighted to welcome members of the Ren Xue community to stay at the Villa.

If you would like to visit and stay with us in the future, please feel free to get in touch at villa@renxueaustralasia.org.

More information or questions?

Please send any questions, queries or feedback about anything related to the Centre project to info@renxueaustralasia.org