Neighbours Day
Get ready for the weekend of 24 - 25 March - there's going to be a whole lot going on for Neighbours Day Aotearoa 2012 - and it could be at your place!
The purpose of Neighbours Day is to get to know those who live next door as well as celebrating the great community you already have.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says there are many reasons to do this as well as the obvious social benefits.
"People who know each other can look out for each other and be there in times of need," says Mayor Wade-Brown.
"It means your community can share its talents and areas of need in case of an emergency.
"Find out whether one of your neighbours suffers from anxiety or has a physical impairment which would really hinder them in case of a major natural disaster. Or it may be that people on your street work as medical staff or tradespeople - very good people to know in an emergency."
We'd love to hear stories about how people in your neighbourhood already support each other. Equally - we want to know what you're planning for your street for Neighbours Day.
Perhaps you're going to decorate your street, clean up your local reserve or beach, or you'll host a pot luck lunch.
Please email neighbours@wcc.govt.nz with your plans and we'll publish the best ideas - no doubt they will inspire other Wellingtonians:
Winning ideas will receive a $50 supermarket voucher to support your Neighbours Day activities, as well as a 'Grab Bag' from our Emergency Management Office.
Mayor Wade-Brown says much of the enjoyment of Neighbours Day is often in the planning.
"Instead of just saying 'hello' to your neighbours, find time to actually get to know them. It's fun and you can develop lasting and fruitful relationships, while also helping safeguard yourself and your family in the process," she says.
We'll also be coordinating Neighbours Day activities for that weekend - keep an eye on this page for details over coming weeks.
For more information on Neighbours Day Aotearoa 2012 and how you can get involved, either email us on the above address or go to: