A Kiwi in Shanghai: Giving Back Quietly, Growing Mighty from Afar
We recently caught up with a Kiwi living in Shanghai who has been quietly supporting Oke Charity for more than five years. She prefers to stay behind the scenes, but her generosity has helped build outdoor classrooms and given thousands of tamariki the chance to learn and grow in nature.
Here’s her story about why she gives, what keeps her connected to Aotearoa, and what doing good quietly really means.
Let’s start with life in Shanghai. What took you there in the first place, and what’s it like being a Kiwi in one of the busiest cities on the planet?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: Love brought me here, such a cliché but it’s true! Life in Shanghai isn’t too different from any other big city, except things move at an even faster pace. The biggest challenges early on were understanding the cultural nuances and, of course, the language. But after many years, I feel really settled and happy to call Shanghai home.
When you think about Aotearoa, what are the things you find yourself missing most? The people, the pace, the pies?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: Family and friends, always. And mountains. And forests. That easy access to spectacular scenery in New Zealand is really something special. There’s plenty of amazing beauty here too, but with the sheer scale of China, getting to it can be a bit more of a mission!
How did you first come across Oke and the work we’re doing with outdoor classrooms back home?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: I had dreamed of one day returning to New Zealand and running a community gardening programme. But as the years went by and I became more settled here, that dream seemed less likely. One day I randomly Googled to see if anyone was already doing something similar, and that’s how I found Oke. The concept immediately clicked with me, and I knew I wanted to get involved.
You’ve supported Oke for several years now. What is it about our mission that really connects with you personally?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: As a keen gardener, I’m passionate about sharing ways that anyone can grow something edible, even in city spaces. That’s why Oke’s mission resonates with me so deeply. It brings this same passion directly to tamariki, giving them hands-on opportunities to grow food and connect with nature.
This feels especially vital in today’s world. Here in Shanghai, life can be incredibly busy for young people, and many don’t know where their food comes from. Oke’s outdoor classrooms help bridge that gap, while also offering a place for both children and teachers to unwind and recharge.
It also takes me back to my own favourite school memories, the times we could step away from our desks. That’s the real magic of Oke’s approach. These spaces aren’t just gardens, they’re gateways to learning across subjects like maths, science, and art. Supporting Oke feels like passing on those same outdoor learning experiences to a new generation.
Living overseas, do you still feel that pull back to Aotearoa? That instinct to give back or stay connected to the place you grew up?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: I love my life in China and feel incredibly happy and settled here, but I’ll always be a Kiwi. Even after all these years away, I still feel a connection to home, and supporting Oke is one way I can maintain that connection.
What do you think it is about Oke’s work that resonates with Kiwis, whether they’re in South Auckland or halfway across the world?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: It’s about broadening horizons. I think we can all appreciate the transformative power of new experiences. You never know what spark will be lit in a child in an outdoor classroom, it could be a lifelong passion for science, art, or, yes, hopefully, gardening! Oke gives kids a richer palette of experiences to draw from in their future lives.
When you see the photos and stories of tamariki learning and growing in outdoor classrooms, what goes through your mind?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: Genuine delight. It’s a wonderful feeling.
You’ve been what we’d call a proper silent donor, doing good behind the scenes without the fuss or fanfare. What drives you to give that way, and what does it feel like knowing your support is making a difference, even if no one knows your name?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: I’ve never really loved the spotlight, that’s just who I am. Some people enjoy being more visible, and that’s totally fine, but it’s not important to me. It’s enough just knowing that I’m doing something worthwhile and hopefully making a small difference.
What would you say to other Kiwis overseas who might be thinking about giving back but haven’t quite made the leap yet?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: Go for it! Just because you’re not in New Zealand doesn’t mean you can’t be involved. Giving back from afar can still make a real impact, and your support today might be what helps some kids have a better tomorrow.
And finally, if you could leave one message for the kids whose classrooms you’ve helped build, what would you tell them?
A Kiwi in Shanghai: Enjoy your wonderful new gardens. Ask lots of questions. Find lots of answers. And have fun!
A Massive Thank You
A huge thank you to our Kiwi in Shanghai for sharing her story and for quietly supporting Oke’s mission to help tamariki across Aotearoa learn, grow, and thrive outdoors.
Since 2016, Oke Charity has built more than 70 Outdoor Classrooms, giving over 36,000 kids access to hands-on learning spaces that build wellbeing, connection, and confidence.
Over the next year, we’re aiming to build 20 more Outdoor Classrooms across New Zealand, helping schools and communities create spaces where kids can flourish.
For Kiwis living abroad, supporting Oke is a way to stay rooted in home soil, helping the next generation grow mighty from wherever you are in the world.
👉 Find out more or get involved: www.oke.org.nz/support-us