21 July 2014

Neighbourhood Week celebrates new communities

Christchurch residents who have shifted to new suburbs as a result of Canterbury’s major earthquakes are being encouraged to celebrate Neighbourhood Week this year.

The annual event is being held from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, and the Christchurch City Council is encouraging as many communities as possible to participate, particularly those who have moved to new suburbs.

“Getting to know your neighbours can mean the difference from merely occupying an address to living in a neighbourhood of friends which, given our changing environment, is really important” says Community Support Unit Manager Carolyn Gallagher.

“Neighbourhood Week is an event dedicated to getting to know the people who live close to you. It’s about bringing new and familiar faces together – whether it’s a small get together of a few households or a larger neighbourhood gathering,” she says.

To help facilitate community-spirited events, the Council’s Community Boards are supporting those who want to run community events and activities with a small subsidy.

“Each year, our Community Boards set aside a fund for individuals and groups with great ideas to put together a great event. In the past, we’ve had barbecues, street parties, working bees, tree-planting days, kite-flying and community walks. If it unites your neighbourhood, then your Community Board wants to hear from you.”

Applications for funding subsidies for Neighbourhood Week are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 29 August 2014. For more information or to complete an application form, visit a Council Service Centre, Library or see www.ccc.govt.nz/neighbourhoodweek

ENDS

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