Connect with those around you this Neighbours Day

Published on 16th of March, 2017

The Christchurch Methodist Mission is proud to be a partner in Neighbours Day Aotearoa 25-26 March 2017.

How well do you know your neighbours?

It is a question that we should ask each other more often. Because, if you're like a lot of New Zealanders, you may well feel isolated from your neighbours and are unsure what to do about it.

It is easy to see why.

These days it can be hard to find the time to connect with those living around us. Often when we do find a spare moment, technology such as the television, laptop or smart phone is what we instinctively turn to.  

Neighbours Day Aotearoa provides people and communities all around New Zealand with an opportunity to connect with each other.

Neighbours Day Aotearoa is running again this year on the weekend of 25-26 March. It is a fantastic opportunity to get to know your neighbours. There are a number of things that you can do on these two days to build connections. These range from small steps such as collecting your neighbours contact details or inviting your neighbours over for a cup of tea, to big steps such as hosting a neighbourhood get together or organising a sports or games afternoon in your neighbourhood.

"Neighbourhoods that are connected feel friendlier, safer and stronger. It may not seem like a big thing but getting to know your neighbours can have significant benefits for you and others around you. Sign up for Neighbours Day Aotearoa and help make your neighbourhood a better place to be" says Tim Corry, local Neighbours Day Aotearoa Co-ordinator.

Go to www.neighboursday.org.nz to find out more information about how easy it is to connect with those living around you. Sign up to take part, get ideas for activities or events that you can do and get inspired by stories of neighbourly action from around New Zealand.

Also, if you need some assistance getting your idea off the ground, you might be eligible for a Community Connections Grant. These grants are provided by the Red Cross and administered by the Christchurch Methodist Mission. Small grants of $300, $500 and $1000 are available for individuals, groups and neighbourhoods in the Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikoura Districts to build connections and grow community spirit. To find out more call 03 389 6232 or email tineke@mmsi.org.nz.

Neighbours Day was initially launched in 2009 by Lifewise. Today it is a collaborative campaign organised and supported by Lifewise along with Inspiring Communities, The Mental Health Foundation, Neighbourhood Support NZ, Public Libraries of NZ and the Christchurch Methodist Mission.