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Avon Loop & Elsie Locke’s Place
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Hey, earthbound creatures! It’s Huanui again, your friendly ‘fan-trail’ pīwakawaka guide. This particular curve in the river is known as the Avon Loop.
From where you’re standing, you may not be able to tell that the Ōtākaro Avon River curves and courses through the landscape of the city. But from high up where I fly, the river looks like a giant wriggling worm – or perhaps a meandering trail left by a monster snail!
Mmm, talk of that makes me feel hungry! I hope you brought some snacks with you today, for energy to go exploring? (If not, check out some food places along the trail.)
In fact, nearby is a highly significant wahi tapu (sacred) site where Tautahi Pā once stood and which provided local Māori with an abundance of seasonal food and natural resources. The pā overlooked this particular loop of the awa (river), but from the other side of the bank.
More recently, the Avon Loop has a very rich history of community spirit and activism. Peace advocate, writer and social activist Elsie Locke lived here for 50 years, in a tiny cottage that once stood at 392 Oxford Terrace. Locke was a founding member of the Christchurch branch of the nationwide Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, and went on to become national president.
As a continuing legacy, creation of a peace park within the loop is being promoted by the Avon Loop Planning Association. The association remains active in maintaining an on-site community cottage and advocating for the area.
Other notable Avon Loop residents included Rod Donald, the former Green Party political leader. Donald set up the first Environment Centre in the city (now Christchurch Envirohub based at Climate Acton Campus.
What do you notice about the Avon Loop now? Remember to take a photo through the frame and post it to your favourite social media with #REDTOGREEN Contribute your ideas for the peace park and what you else you want to see happen in the loop.
food for thought
In what ways does the Avon Loop, and its notable residents, inspire or activate you to contribute to the wellbeing of our city and its people?
Links
Bio of Elsie Locke
https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/6l4/locke-elsie-violet
Elsie Locke’s cottage (video)
Get involved
https://sites.google.com/site/avonloop/home
https://www.facebook.com/AvonLoop
Nearby Wahi Tapu and Tautahi Pā
https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/7715/Tautahi%20P%C4%81
https://findchch.com/places/3469-tautahi-pa-the-bricks