How do you plan to have fun with your neighbours during Neighbourhood Week? With only three weeks to go, now is the time to start planning. It takes only one person to start a great event.

Neighbourhood Week is a week dedicated to getting to know the people who live close to you. This year’s event is being held in Christchurch from 26 October to 1 November.

“Getting to know your neighbours seems like such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in our communities,” says City Councillor Sue Wells, Chair of the local Neighbourhood Week Committee. “Getting to know your neighbours helps with safety in your street, makes you feel secure and gives you a sense of belonging.”

Past events that people have organised include barbeques, street parties, shared dinners, working bees, Halloween parties, colouring competitions, family fun days, fairs and galas and neighbourhood planting days. A small subsidy is available through some of the city’s Community Boards to assist with these events, says Cr Wells.

The Christchurch City Council, Safer Christchurch, Neighbourhood Support Canterbury and Sea Cruises support Neighbourhood Week in Christchurch. Surrounding districts, such as Banks Peninsula and Selwyn District are also promoting the week in their areas.

Lots on

Some events are also being organised by local Community Boards that everyone is welcome to attend.

• The Shirley Papanui Community Board is hosting a free fun fair day for kids at the Groynes from 11am – 3pm on 27 October.
• Safer Christchurch is also offering a small subsidy to community groups and those who work in the inner city to assist with Neighbourhood Week events. For more information contact Jo Maraki on 941 5410 or Dean Leabourne on 377 2262.
• Sea Cruises Ltd has 50 tickets for two up for grabs. Simply write your name and address on the back on an envelope and send to Sea Cruises Competition, Sockburn Service Centre, PO Box 11 011 by 18 October 2002 and you will go in the draw to win a cruise. Sea Cruises is also offering discounted trips during Neighbourhood Week for anyone looking for something a little different to do with their neighbours. For more information contact Russell Philips on (03) 328 7720.
• Another option is to explore your neighbourhood with friends and family on foot. The City Council has organised guided walks throughout the week. Bring warm clothes, a jacket and a drink.

Contact your local City Council Service Centre for details of these walks, meeting places and times:

26 Oct - Bon Suters Sculpture Art Park South Brighton

27 Oct - Arboreal Dinosaurs Secret Tree Children's Day (Walk and BYO Picnic)

28 Oct - Styx Mill Reserve Ornamental Waters

28 Oct - The Beadel Lychgate - Hidden Gems of Halswell Hike

29 Oct - Avebury House, Richmond Ramble

30 Oct - Noteable Women of Opawa-Heathcote, River Ramble

31 Oct - Point Rapanui Hilltop Eyrie Redcliffs Ramble

1 Nov - Adventures in Light and Colour - Stained Glass Art Fendalton Mansions Walk.

• For more information, contact your local City Council Service Centre, details below.