The annual Neighbours Aotearoa campaign will be in full swing throughout March, strengthening neighbourhoods in Dunedin and across the country.
Neighbours Aotearoa connector for Ōtepoti Dunedin, Rebecca Harris, said the project was a great way to "get the ball rolling and encourage neighbours to link up with their local communities".
"Each year in March we encourage everybody to do something small — or large — that helps them get to know a neighbour that bit better.
"We are keen to support both individuals and groups in their efforts grow, connect, and strengthen their neighbourhoods.
"Because we know that when we connect with our neighbours good things happen.
"It can be something as simple as inviting a neighbour round for a cup of tea, or hosting a picnic in your backyard."
Ms Harris planned to host her own Neighbours Aotearoa event next month — a potluck community picnic and posy-making workshop at Dalmore Reserve, on March 22.
"Hopefully, this will be a chance for local residents to come together and enjoy a relaxed get-together in a fantastic community space that isn’t especially well known."
The theme of Neighbours Aotearoa 2025 is "Let’s Celebrate", which is all about celebrating connections, memories, relationships and neighbourhoods.
As a former Christchurch resident, she experienced first hand the benefits of neighbours working together to get through the earthquakes.
"It really helped us to get through.
"This is one of the reasons why I believe in the Neighbours Aotearoa message — it really is important to get to know your neighbours."
Ms Harris was happy to brainstorm ideas and help create possibilities for Dunedin people to reach out to others in their communities.
"We would love it if people would register their events through our website, which means we can help publicise it and ensure that people know that an event is happening and can come along."
For more information and to register events, visit the website neighboursaotearoa.nz, or find Neighbours Aotearoa on Facebook or Instagram.
