Neighbourhood Week, the brainchild of the Shirley-Papanui Community Board, has been adopted by Neighbourhood Support New Zealand and will be hitting streets around the country from 26 October until 1 November this year.

“The strength that a nationwide programme can deliver means our little community project has a very bright future,” says Councillor Sue Wells, chair of the local Neighbourhood Week Committee.

The week is for getting to know the people who live near you. “This can be daunting, especially if the opportunity hasn’t arisen,” says Cr Wells.

During Neighbourhood Week, people are encouraged to say “Hi” to their neighbours, invite them in a for a cuppa if they can, or, if they’re really keen, host a local gathering. Sponsorship to assist with these events is available through some of the city’s Community Boards.

Past events people have organised include barbeques, street parties, shared dinners, working bees, Halloween parties, colouring competitions, family fun days, fairs and galas, neighbourhood planting days, open days at local community centres and community gardens, morning teas, fireworks celebrations, community walks, walking school buses, even neighbourhood sea cruises.

“However people choose to participate in Neighbourhood Week is fine by us,” says Cr Wells. “That’s the whole idea of it. The power of the neighbourhood is one that we consistently undervalue and underestimate in helping to address issues such as loneliness, fear of crime, a lack of security and isolation. Reclaim your neighbourhood any way you want to. Just do it.”

For more information about Neighbourhood Week and how to take part, phone Jo Maraki at the Papanui Service Centre on 941 5410.