[Turn left after crossing the Avondale Footbridge.]

This reserve is named after local post mistress Amelia Rogers (1849-1928).

At a time when women in paid work wasn’t the norm, Amelia ran her own businesses including teaching, running the local post office and selling produce. She made the best of things in light of various challenges, including the premature death of her husband within the first two years of their marriage. 

Remember, too, that this area was fairly remote in the late 19th century and early 1900s, compared to how accessible it is today.

This reserve, named after Amelia, has also adapted and morphed through recent natural events and human intervention. It erupted into silty piles of liquefaction after the earthquakes, and now has flourishing native bush. The land is resilient and adaptable.

City Council Red Zone Rangers, with the ongoing help of Conservation Volunteers of New Zealand, have replanted and are responsible for the on-going care of this reserve. (In fact, weeds flourished too well after the rainy January 2025. They had to be ‘tamed’ at a working bee event). Nature never sleeps!

You are welcome to be involved in the continued transformation of the green spine. Volunteers and environment groups are welcome to help, either at one-off events or on-going. i

Links:
“Plant rescue’ January 2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17U7Y6fKDN/

Liquefaction
https://canterburystories.nz/collections/community/gavinturner/ccl-cs-26999

Next steps:

Volunteer with Conservation Volunteers

https://volunteerportal.conservationvolunteers.co.nz/s/make-booking

City council volunteer days

https://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/volunteer-in-parks/volunteer-events/avon-otakaro-river-corridor-volunteer-days/