Media release
February 2015
Neighbours Day Aotearoa; Turning Auckland city centre streets into neighbourhoods
Imagine a connected neighbourhood, where everyone knew each other, felt a sense of place and was proud to be part of the
community. This year, Neighbours Day Aotearoa is bringing people together and turning streets into neighbourhoods on
Neighbours Day, March 28th - 29th.
A vision shared by community organisations Lifewise, The Mental Health Foundation, Inspiring Communities, Public
Libraries of NZ and Neighbourhood Support NZ, Neighbours Day Aotearoa encourages neighbours to connect and celebrate
their local communities. Neighbours Day is a chance for people to meet their neighbours, and for their streets to become
vibrant, connected and healthy communities. It’s about encouraging closer connections, whether your neighbours are near
or far!
“Knowing our neighbours makes us more compassionate and aware of each others’ needs,” says Kimberly Cleland, Neighbours
Day Aotearoa project manager. “We all have neighbours, but many of us aren’t well connected with our communities. Simple
gestures, that bring neighbours together, like smiling and saying hello, can make the world of difference to all our
lives.”
Over the weekend, neighbourhood initiated activities will offer a fun, family environment and a chance to get to know
neighbours. There will be everything from organised events like long lunches and picnics in the park, to random acts of
kindness, to delicious treats shared on Neighbours Day. “For people living busy lives, Neighbours Day offers
encouragement to connect with neighbours,” says Kimberley. “It’s also an great opportunity to get creative and make
Neighbours Day your own!”
For people living in the city centre, Neighbours Day will be celebrated at the Pioneer Women’s Hall on Freyberg Place,
with a BBQ, live music, fun activities for kids, workshops on small-scale gardening for apartments and a quiz on the
central city.
“City Centre fanatic” Mik Smellie is looking forward to building a greater sense of community among those living in the
city. “People in inner city apartments can be very hard to get hold of,” he says. “I call it “the tyranny of electronic
doors”. Many apartment residents are extremely isolated, despite living at close quarters. Neighbours Day gives us a
chance to build a sense of neighbourhood in central Auckland and bring people living in the city centre together.”
Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) will attend the Neighbours Day celebrations, using the gathering as an
opportunity to connect with those new to the area. “It’s often difficult for newcomers to New Zealand to find their
feet,” says Communications, PR and Events Manager Chinwe Akomah. “Many people living in the city centre don’t know where
to start when getting to know their neighbours, and cultural differences and language barriers make this even harder.
Neighbours Day gives people in the a chance to make contact, make friends, build social capital and develop the support
networks that are so vital to establishing yourself in a new country.”
Surprisingly, for such a small nation, Sovereign Wellbeing research has shown that only 30% of Kiwis feel connected with
their communities. Maintaining a good relationship with neighbours is key to building stronger, healthier and more
resilient communities, and facilitating the wellbeing of individuals within them.
“Neighbours are the next ring out after family, and knowing they will look out for you in times of need is important,”
says Lifewise’s General Manager Moira Lawler. “Knowing they are there for you increases your sense of security and
wellbeing. It’s an important factor for me in choosing where to live – is it somewhere I can be part of a community?”
Business are also supporting the Neighbours Day, with AMI and The Warehouse offering prizes to their customers
organising activities over the weekend of the 28-29 March. Neighbours Day Aotearoa is also working with new
neighbourhood connection site Neighbourly, to help promote more face-to-face connections.
Stephen Tindall, founder of The Warehouse and 2015 New Zealander of the Year says that “good neighbours make for more
connected communities and safer, happier neighbourhoods. Everyone can be a good neighbour!”
Neighbours from all over New Zealand are organising a huge variety of fun, neighbourhood activities that will celebrate
healthier, safer, more vibrant communities. Getting to know your neighbours and celebrating your community is easy and
fun, so register your neighbourhood now!
For more information on getting started and how to organise a great Neighbours Day activity, head to www.neighboursday.org.nz
- Ends -
Editor’s note: Neighbours Day Aotearoa works to connect neighbours around NZ and turn streets into neighbourhoods.
Neighbours Day Aotearoa is made up of representatives from Lifewise, Inspiring Communities, The Mental Health Foundation
and Neighbourhood Support NZ, and Public Libraries of NZ. Their work is kindly supported by The Tindall Foundation.