Green Island people celebrate

Cold weather and persistent drizzle did not dampen the spirits of Green Island residents at a special community gathering over the weekend.

More than 1000 people were at the Dunedin City Baptist Church for the third Greater Green Island Get Together event on Saturday afternoon.

Children ignored the damp conditions as they squelched along, chasing bubbles and laughing, while a throng of people gathered inside, sampling food, arts and crafts, and offerings from the Green Island business community.

Amanda Reid, a community worker at the Greater Green Island Community Network, said aim of the day was simple — to bring the community of nine suburbs and about 10,000 people together.

"It’s a big expo and celebration of what is in our community. It’s a way to unify us all."

The event, which was in its third year after previously being staged in 2013 and 2015, drew 42 stall-holders this time, she said.

Each was required to offer something for free, while selling other items, to ensure "it’s accessible to everyone", she said.

"We want everyone here."

The Greater Green Island Community Network aimed to promote community-led development, which was built on people knowing their neighbours, being part of their community and feeling a sense of belonging, she said.

More families were moving into the Green Island community, bolstering the sense of spirit, and Mrs Reid had joined them in 2016, she said.

"I love it. We have everything we need out here."

chris.morris@odt.co.nz