Courses

Since London disruptively declared itself a National Park City, and subsequently led the formation of a charter that laid out criteria for achieving such status, we have endeavoured to promote the notion that our city could lead the stampede to demonstrate the greenness of cities all over the country. The world is facing multiple emergencies, many of which are broadly ecologically based. Our argument is that connecting people to nature, rather than viewing it as something ‘exotic’ that belongs in remote mountainous parks where only a few privileged get to experience it, is vital to a future understanding of nature (ecological literacy), creates identity with our special biodiversity and a conservation ethic, and broadly creates well-being that is based on values more enduring than the purely material. There have been discussions around the country and Bay of Plenty has declared a national park region (Waiariki Park Region). It is clear that this must be a partnership with mana whenua, with a suitable name, that it takes in the greater Christchurch boundary, and that it is used to engage with and market the rich natural bounty of the city. We have compiled a list of over 15 attributes that demonstrate our credentials to justify our claim to this status. We note the important role of The Press in being an early champion for this campaign, and the variations on this movement – Biophilic Cities, Nature Needs Half, urban wild, etc. We need to be part of this action – indeed be a leader – in turning our city, the country, indeed the world from its current perilous trajectory.

Flowing through many images that capture the essence of Christchurch is the River Avon. From the springs at Avonhead to the outflow to the ocean by Rapanui Shag Rock, the Ōtākaro Avon River has contributed to the wellbeing of humans and wildlife for centuries. Since European settlement in the 1840s, history has been created and witnessed along the riverbanks. This series will be a visual delight as well as an historical exploration of the buildings and suburbs of our city of Christchurch as it has changed over time, and with the four seasons, along the banks of our iconic river.

Frieda Looser has an MA (Hons) in History and is the author of Fendall’s Legacy, a history of Fendalton and Northwest Christchurch. She was a Senior Tutor in the History Department at the University of Canterbury, tutoring and lecturing in a number of courses, and currently teaches in the UC Academic Skills Centre.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Desmond Tutu