Neighbourhood Week, more popular than ever
3 November 2003
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.
For information about what is happening in your area, contact the following
people at your local Council Service Centre:-
Shirley/Papanui Sheryl Killick, 941 5410
Burwood/Pegasus Sue Cobb, 941 5321
Riccarton/Wigram Janice Huddy, 941 6532
Roger Cave, 941 6502
Hagley/Ferrymead Marie Byrne, 941 6660
Spreydon/Heathcote Angela Bishop, 941 5113
Fendalton/Waimairi Kay Rabe, 941 6732
Visit the website at: www.ccc.govt.nz/programmes/NeighbourhoodWeek/
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