Local organisations promoted Neighbours Day Aotearoa earlier this month by organising shared activities for the community which included making bee hotels, sowing seeds, painting vegetable boxes and more.

The nationwide Neighbours Day Aotearoa initiative encourages community building across New Zealand by celebrating the connection that happens across the fence or along the street. 

It started 13 years ago with the belief that connection with neighbours enhances the wellbeing of individuals, whānau and the wider community, and this year’s theme was connecting over kai.

Some local events were curtailed due to Covid-19 restrictions this year but the Wānaka Library, Community Networks/LINK and the Wānaka Recreation Centre were still able to run a series of food-themed ‘Garden and Gather’ drop-in sessions in the community gardens at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

Neighbours Day Aoteroa took place from March 18-27.

“The event was a great success,” Community Networks/LINK food security project coordinator Daisy Watford said. “Considering the uncertainty over the past few months, we had a great turnout with many families taking part.”

“We also had Dr Compost on hand to answer questions and share his composting tips,”

Daisy said one young person from Kahu Youth also volunteered their time to design a produce stand, which was then painted by members of the community.

Continuing with the theme of connecting over kai, Community Networks/LINK also collated seasonal recipes from local cafés Fedeli, Florence’s, Ritual and Big Fig “which have received a very positive response online,” Community Networks/LINK community development coordinator Joanna Perry said. 

The annual event was created to celebrate and encourage relationships between neighbours and within communities. 

“It was fantastic to have the hospitality industry jumping on board with Neighbours Day and the kai-sharing concept – and suggesting ways to use up seasonal produce too,” Joanna said.

The recipes are still available on the Community Networks/LINK website here.

Joanna said it was especially important to look after ourselves and others just now.

“Please continue to check on your neighbours who may be self-isolating and see if they need any support – whether that’s a chat over the fence, a delivery of supplies, or some produce from your garden. 

“Support is available at Community Networks/LINK for people who are self-isolating. Call us on 03 443 7799.”

Neighbours Day Aoteroa took place from March 18-27.

PHOTOS: Community Networks/LINK