Residents in pursuit of a common goal

What is a residents' group?

Residents' groups are set up to provide support and assistance to their neighbourhood.

They have a common purpose and set out to achieve a common goal.

They may be set up to provide recreational activities, eg playgroups, or in response to a perceived threat to the stability or character of a neighbourhood, eg saving an historical building.

Residents' Groups' Formation and Recognition Policy

1. The Christchurch City Council encourages the formation of local residents' groups.
2. Local residents' groups are able to apply to the Community Board for recognition as an ˇ®official' residents' group for the area.
3. Residents' group boundaries within each community are determined by the relevant Community Board.
4. Such groups, upon recognition, receive the right to be consulted by the Council on all work planned within their boundaries.
5. The Council provides free typing and photocopying for official residents' groups, within limits approved by the Community Advocate.

Residents Groups in Action

There are 14 residents groups in Spreydon-Heathcote and all are involved with local community issues in some way, examples of which are as follows:

• The Beckenham Neighbourhood Association again helped to co-ordinate "Carols in the Park" last December, in conjunction with Beckenham Primary School and the Beckenham Methodist Church. The event was held in Beckenham Primary School grounds and a fun time was had by all. Features of the evening included the Woolston Junior Brass Band, carol singing, free sausages and bread, as well as a visit from Father Christmas and plenty of lollies!



• The Somerfield Residents' Association has been very active since its formation in November 2000.
  
  The group has adopted Somerfield Park and Sydenham Cemetery, and is organising a working bee in Sydenham Cemetery to coincide with Conservation Week later this year. The group is also working closely with St Nicholas' Church to try to address some of the local youth issues in the area.

Top of Page