14 March 2017

Who are the people in your neighbourhood?

According to the Sesame Street song, these are the people you meet each day, but in real life that’s not always the case – which is why Neighbours Day Aotearoa is all about connecting with your community.

Neighbours Day Aotearoa (NDA) is a national campaign on 25-26 March with events and promotions happening over the next few weeks all around the country – with the aim of turning strangers into neighbours and streets into neighbourhoods.

Mayor Justin Lester is encouraging Wellingtonians to get involved and support the initiative.

“Some of our city apartments are similar to vertical streets, and in some cases have the population of a small suburb in the bigger buildings, and research shows there is little interaction between those residents.

“The capital is also one of the largest refugee settlements in the country, and home to migrants, asylum seekers and students from all over the world – so Neighbours Day events are a great way to welcome them and learn more about their cultures at the same time.

“Wellington's people are our greatest asset, and Neighbours Day is an effective way to build resilient communities, increase people’s wellbeing and emergency preparedness, and connect them to each other and their city,” says the Mayor.

“Simple things like saying hello to a neighbour, sharing abundant fruit with the community, throwing a street party or getting involved with a community organisation is a huge step in the right direction,” he adds.

There are a number of events happening in the capital, and Wellington is currently on target to be crowned ‘City of the Year’ by the National Neighbours Day Aotearoa campaign as our number of registered events keeps rising. Help us win this coveted crown and sign up your event today.

Some Council events supported and/or funded through the Neighbours Day Aotearoa grant include:

• Locals are invited to a backyard BBQ at a greet, meat and eat event on Friday 17 March at the Boys and Girl’s Institute at 3 MacDonald Cres from 2pm

• Meet the neighbours in Miramar and Maupuia with a free BBQ and entertainment for the kids at the localcommunity centre on Thursday 23 March, from 6-8pm

• Bring a plate of food that represents your culture, to share with neighbours, immigrants, and refugees atShareHapori on Saturday 25 March from 1-3pm in Berhampore

• Help grow the community in Newlands with a fun family event and hangi at Ngā Hāu e Whā o Paparārangi Marae, 30 Ladbroke Drive on Sunday 26 March from 1-4pm

• Enjoy a sausage sizzle, activities, music, and a tour of Nairn Street Cottage at their Neighbours Day Aotearoa event on Saturday 1 April from 10am-2pm.

Get ideas, get inspired, and get registered with the national Neighbours Day Aotearoa website.

Check out some inspirational videos, and find out what resources and support is available from the Council’sNeighbours Day Aotearoa team on our website – and how to apply for funding for next year’s event.

“Nothing – not a conversation, not a handshake or even a hug – establishes friendship so forcefully as eating together.” Jonathan Safran Foer

ENDS

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