Neighbourhood Week, more popular than ever Christchurch neighbours have grabbed at the chance to get together this year for Neighbourhood Week. The week starts this Saturday 1 November, with barbecues, street parties, and a wealth of other neighbourly events planned until Friday 7 November.

“Neighbourhood Week really seems to have come of age this year,” says Pat Creasey, co-ordinator of Neighbourhood Support Canterbury. “People living side by side are taking every opportunity to have fun together. And its not only families but residents from neighbouring rest homes, a church meeting up with local businesses….. There is so much enthusiasm for the Week,” says Christchurch City Councillor Sue Wells, chair of the local Neighbourhood Week Joint Committee.

The importance of being a good neighbour to people from different cultures is being emphasised through groups such as Christchurch’s Intercultural Assembly, which is being hosted tonight by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.

Human Rights Commission educator Karolin Potter says, “being a good neighbour to people from other cultures is about involving them in our day to day lives - inviting them to be part of the PTA or making the most of their talents in the local sports club.” She says “its all about genuine interaction and building strong permanent relationships.” For neighbours who haven’t yet organised anything for Neighbourhood Week, there is still time to arrange an event. “It can be as impromptu as asking your next door neighbour in for a coffee or inviting the family down the road for a barbecue.” Cr Wells says.

One of this year’s biggest Neighbourhood Week happenings is Children’s Day at the Groynes on Sunday 2 November, 11am –3pm. A wide variety of activities are planned for this public event, including live stage performances, a noddy train, bouncy castle, boating and kite flying.

Organised by Christchurch City Council Leisure with funding support from the Shirley/Papanui Community Board, the day will be based on the theme ‘Children’s Health’. A range of activities and information will be available for children and families, promoting active and healthy living.

If wet, Children’s Day will be postponed until Sunday 9 November, 11am-3pm.

The success of Neighbourhood Week in Christchurch relies on several loyal sponsors including the Christchurch City Council, Safer Christchurch, Neighbourhood Support Canterbury and Sea Cruises.

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