John Taylor Memorial

[To access this site, you’ll need to cross Medway Bridge (westwards from River road to Avonside drive) and follow the trail towards the river. You’ll see the twisted remains of the old Medway Footbridge. The memorial is near the corner of Morris Street and Avonside Drive.]

Pīwakawaka can be very territorial – we are protective of our space – especially when we’re nesting and have a new family. This memorial tells the story of a human who was protective of his space.

The wheel-chair shaped memorial on the corner of Avonside marks the life (and former house-site) of the last resident of the Avonside red zone: paraplegic John Taylor. 

Taylor became well known after the Christchurch earthquakes when he refused the Government’s buy-out offer for his house. He remained in his home until his death in 2017, aged 62. 

About 1300 people once lived in the area. 

The memorial was co-created by Avon Ōtākaro Network, who wish to add to it with a path and garden beds. 

Take time to read the information panel and associated media story. Imagine what it was like living here by yourself. 

How is the landscape now evolving? What would you like to see happen to the Green Spine (what was once the red zone)? 

Next steps:

Did you live in Christchurch before the earthquakes? What do you miss about the ‘old’ city? What do you appreciate about the rebuilt (‘re-building’) city? 

Need a break? You may like to go to Dallington Landing for a rest and drink of water or snack. See you there!