If this year's Neighbours Day celebrations are anything to go by, folk in Franklin make great neighbours.
Glowing reports have flooded into Franklin Local Board, which funded events at community halls across the region. Funding has also been provided for an event in Pukeoware, even though is taking place in June because the hall is booked up.
Hunua School’s event attracted about 60 people, including board member Malcolm Bell.
"It’s about communities coming together to improve neighbourhood connectivity and community place-making," he says.
Support for events is provided on the basis that they help increase emergency preparedness and community resilience in the wake of a disaster.
Ararimu held a 'Summer Chill' to celebrate the completion of the Village Green, with about 120 residents enjoying local bands. Feedback has been very positive and residents have asked for the event to be repeated.
At Beachlands, the community hall’s new kitchen got its first workout, passing with flying colours as volunteers laid on a feast supplemented by fine home-baked goodies.
At the Buckland Hall event, new and old neighbours tried out a bouncy castle, had their faces painted and nibbled on sausages while listening to local musician Izzy Grace. Organisers say corporate sponsors came on board too, and more events have been discussed.
Glenbrook Beach and Kahawai Point Development residents came together to unite the old and new communities, with people able to take a ferry ride on the Ratahi to showcase the location of a new pier and marina in the development.
The decision to establish an annual event has already been made and organisers are promising an even bigger party next year.
At Kawakawa Bay the local fire brigade burnt the sausages and the children completed an emergency-readiness-themed colouring contest while new sports equipment, funded by the board, made its debut.
"It’s fabulous to see so many people coming together," Mr Bell says.
"If we want to return to the days when everyone knew their neighbours we have to make the effort ourselves."
