KERA - Kaiapoi East Residents Association Inc

18/04/2026

This is Currie Park in action with young people on a discovery journey!!!

Then visiting the Norman Kirk Playground less than five minutes away.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=845811565199277

18/04/2026

Have you explored Currie Park with your children or grandkids yet.?

Another great asset for Kaiapoi East Red Zone

Why not explore the area !!!

Waimakariri's own Hagley Park

We’re so excited to share that the refreshed Currie Park play space is officially open, and the new playground at Norman Kirk Park is not far behind!

21/02/2026

Hello Kaiapoi community! A big thank you to everyone who shared the original pre-earthquake walking map. We're excited to announce an update!

The map now includes the Kaiapoi East Red Zone, featuring many new family-friendly initiatives. It's a fantastic way to explore the wonderful changes in our area.

Grab the updated map and enjoy a walk with your loved ones!

Click on the link to see the map in detail https://kerakaiapoi.co.nz/kaiapoi-walking-trails-map-no1/

20/02/2026

Kaiapoi East Red Zone and the Honda Forest,

How to get there... as always
If you’re coming from the Williams Street Bridge, turn right onto Cass Street. If you’re arriving from the Pineacres end, turn left onto Cass Street. Then, simply follow the road to the Norman Kirk Carpark.

Overview
Honda Forest is a native regeneration project located in Kaiapoi, New Zealand, created through a partnership between Honda New Zealand's TreeFund programme and the Waimakariri District Council. This significant environmental restoration project is part of the larger Regeneration Kaiapoi East Area initiative.

Location & Access
Address: 96 Charles Street, Kaiapoi 7630, New Zealand
Coordinates: -43.385277, 172.662733
Entrance: Cass Street, opposite Norman Kirk Park Carpark

Background & Significance
The Honda Forest was established on land that was red-zoned following the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-2011. This area was formerly home to over 700 households but has been transformed into a vital conservation and recreational space. The project aims to restore the native kahikatea and matai-dominated forest that once covered much of Canterbury before European settlement.

The Project Details
Size: 2 hectares of native forest and wetlands
Trees Planted: 15,500 native trees funded by Honda New Zealand
Planting Period: 2019-2021 (with ongoing development)
Purpose: Weaving people, communities, and the environment together through forest reestablishment
Surrounding Recreational Area
The Honda Forest is part of a larger regeneration area that includes:

Walking tracks through native plantings
Wetlands surrounded by forest
BMX track (designed by Olympian Trent Jones)
Dog walking park
Play areas
Sports grounds

Honda TreeFund Programme
Honda's involvement in this project is part of their broader TreeFund initiative, which has been operating since 2004. For every new vehicle purchase in New Zealand, Honda either donates trees or funds for tree planting, resulting in over 700,000 trees planted nationwide to date. Driven Car Guide

Visitor Information
Type: Public park with native forest restoration
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 (based on 1 review) WE NEED TO INCREASE THE GOOGLE REVIEWS

Activities: Walking, nature observation, cycling (BMX), dog walking
Features: Native plantings, wetlands, walking tracks
Community Involvement
Honda has organized community planting days (typically May-September) where staff and customers can participate in the tree planting efforts, helping to build up the ecosystem gradually.

This project represents a remarkable transformation of earthquake-damaged land into a thriving native forest and recreational space, contributing to environmental restoration while providing valuable community amenities in the heart of Kaiapoi.

13/02/2026

Discover the Great Walks of Kaiapoi! 🚶♂️🌿

Did you know some people in Kaiapoi are on a mission to make Kaiapoi become New Zealand’s best walking town? Whether you love a peaceful stroll along the scenic stopbanks, a mindful wander through the Red Zone, or exploring our rich local history, there’s a trail here for everyone.

From flat, family-friendly paths to routes perfect for your four-legged friends, our town is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored.

We want to hear from you! 🗺️
Do you have a favourite local walking loop? Help us build the ultimate guide for our community! We are looking for locals to submit their top trails so we can share them with everyone, and bring visitors to our town.

All walks start from the Kaiapoi Library as the landmark for guests to our township.

👉 Visit our website to explore current walks or submit your own favorite route:
https://kerakaiapoi.co.nz/kaiapoi-nzs-best-walking-town/

Lace up your shoes and let’s make Kaiapoi a walking wonderland together!

13/02/2026

Searching for an enjoyable weekend outing? Discover the Kaiapoi East Red Zone—a stunning natural haven lovingly reclaimed by nature, offering the perfect escape for families, friends, and furry companions alike.

Enjoy a flat, easy stroll that's perfect for all ages—and don't forget to bring your dog along! Often referred to as the "Hagley Park of the Waimak," this local gem is a must-visit for families and pet owners, with plenty of open space to explore together.

To get there, if you’re coming from the Williams Street Bridge, turn right onto Cass Street. If you’re arriving from the Pineacres end, turn left onto Cass Street. Then, simply follow the road to the Norman Kirk Carpark.

This area is truly designed with families in mind, offering a welcoming and safe environment for children and parents to enjoy together.

You'll find plenty to keep everyone entertained, including a BMX track and three unique playgrounds—all within a five-minute walk from Norman Kirk Park. There's a brand-new modern playground, a sensory playground, and a special memories-themed play area. Kids and adults alike can also explore the community food forest, shoot hoops at the basketball court, or play a game of soccer with the onsite net. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

You'll also find convenient public toilets at Norman Kirk Park, making it an ideal spot for a free and easy family outing. If you're searching for a place to entertain the kids without spending a cent, this is the perfect destination.

Come and explore the Kaiapoi East Red Zone with Norman Kirk as your starting point.

13/02/2026

Searching for an enjoyable weekend outing? Discover the Kaiapoi East Red Zone—a stunning natural haven lovingly reclaimed by nature, offering the perfect escape for families, friends, and furry companions alike.

Enjoy a flat, easy stroll that's perfect for all ages—and don't forget to bring your dog along! Often referred to as the "Hagley Park of the Waimak," this local gem is a must-visit for families and pet owners, with plenty of open space to explore together.

To get there, if you’re coming from the Williams Street Bridge, turn right onto Cass Street. If you’re arriving from the Pineacres end, turn left onto Cass Street. Then, simply follow the road to the Norman Kirk Carpark.

This area is truly designed with families in mind, offering a welcoming and safe environment for children and parents to enjoy together.

You'll find plenty to keep everyone entertained, including a BMX track and three unique playgrounds—all within a five-minute walk from Norman Kirk Park. There's a brand-new modern playground, a sensory playground, and a special memories-themed play area. Kids and adults alike can also explore the community food forest, shoot hoops at the basketball court, or play a game of soccer with the onsite net. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

You'll also find convenient public toilets at Norman Kirk Park, making it an ideal spot for a free and easy family outing. If you're searching for a place to entertain the kids without spending a cent, this is the perfect destination.'

Start exploring the Kaiapoi East Red Zone from Norman Kirk Park

04/02/2026

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, why not explore the Kaiapoi East Red Zone.

A lovely flat walk for people and families to wonder through.

Cross the Williams Street Bridge, turn right into Cass Street and proceed to the Norman Kirk Carpark.

Great for all the family including the dog!

the Hagley Park of the Waimak a wonderful space that nature has reclaimed.

17/08/2025

Some more photos from our planting day

Thank you to all those who attended and joined us in protecting this lovely area.

16/08/2025

Fun Fact 2 Norman Kirk who was the Mayor of Kaipaoi and then went on to be the New Zealand Prime Minister, in the 4th Labour Government in 1972, established diplomatic relations with China, in 1972.
New Zealand had an easier pathway to establishing diplomatic relations with China because of Rewi Alley, who was considered a trusted friend of the Chinese people at all levels of society.

Learn more about Norman Kirk and know why we have the amazing asset Norman Kirk Park in Kaiapoi East.

https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5k12/kirk-norman-eric

16/08/2025

Fun fact
Rewi Alley was born in Springfield.
He grew up in Amberley until his early teens.
The family moved to Christchurch, where his father was the headmaster at Wharenui School and he went to Christchurch Boys High.
From 1927 onwards he lived in China until his death in 1987, and he helped the Chinese people through a most tumultuous period of Chinese history. Rewi Alley was honoured for his work.

Rewi would have visited Kaiapoi as a child, as it was the main linkage between Christchurch and Amberley.

We wonder if his mother shopped at Blackwells, given it was the go-to general store for the region in the 1900s.

learn more about Rewi Alley. https://rewialleyfoundation.org/rewi-alley/