Want to learn how to make your community safer and more connected?
Head to Randwick Park’s Manu Tukutuku community centre for a Neighbours Day Aotearoa workshop on Thursday 29 November.
The free workshop is supported by Manurewa and Papakura local boards to provide the information you need on how to run events and secure funding, particularly for Neighbours Day events from 22-31 March next year.
Denise Tims is a big believer in the power of good neighbourly relationships.
“Unfortunately in this day and age we don’t know our neighbours – so what an opportunity the workshop is,” Denise Tims says.
Denise has run lots of community events as a member of Randwick Park Residents Association, which won Community of the Year at last year’s New Zealander of the Year Awards.
She says trying to activate your community doesn’t have to be daunting.
“When you get to know your neighbours, things happen. The key is connecting.”
She says upcoming Neighbours Day events are the perfect chance to start building connections.
“Food is a fantastic way to connect, so it can be as simple as bringing kai from home and sharing it on the street or in your garage. It doesn’t have to be an incredibly big event.”
Communities being empowered
Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton says when communities are empowered amazing things happen.
“As people engage, we always see an increase in community participation and a sense of belonging, which helps people make people feel connected with their neighbours.”
Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole says the fact two boards are co-operating underlines how significant the workshop is.
“It’s great to collaborate because the stronger our areas are together, the stronger our communities will be.”
Email acesupport@aklc.govt.nz to register for the Neighbours Day Aotearoa workshop on Thursday 29 November and for more info, go to facebook.com/NeighboursDay
