MEDIA RELEASE

Registrations for Neighbours’ Day event closing soon

6 MARCH 2017

Don’t miss out on registering for an ‘Over the Fence Cuppa’ as part of this year’s Neighbours’ Day Aotearoa which focuses on disaster preparedness.

‘Over the Fence Cuppas’ are an opportunity to get to know your neighbour(s) better. They can take place in people’s homes or at local parks and could be a morning tea, afternoon tea, evening supper or anything in between. Neighbourhoods might also choose to have a theme and plan some fun activities like swapping home-grown produce, getting creative with chalk on the footpath or simply eat cake and chat.

The Council promotes the initiative each year with the aim of strengthening community ties, and creating happier, healthier and safer communities.

“This year we’re focusing on disaster preparedness with neighbourhood get-togethers being the perfect opportunity to chat with those living nearby about how to support each other in case of an emergency,” says Council’s Manager Programme Design & Delivery Tania Parata.

About 40 Kāpiti streets took part in the ‘Over the Fence Cuppa’ event last year to mark Neighbours’ Day, with Paraparaumu beating more than 100 towns and cities across the country to win the first ever Neighbours’ Day Aotearoa Town of the Year title. Organisers are hoping even more groups will participate in the event this year.

Registrations for the event need to be in by this Friday 10 March and can be made online at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/neighboursday Registration forms are also available at libraries and Council service centres.

Kāpiti residents who sign up to host an ‘Over the Fence Cuppa’ by Friday will receive a support pack from the Council, including resources, information and some goodies to help get their event going.

Residents of Goldsborough Avenue, Raumati Beach will be holding their third ‘Over the Fence Cuppa’ for Neighbours’ Day this year.

"Everyone has really enjoyed our ‘Over the Fence Cuppas’ and even though one year it rained when we'd planned a BBQ, we all just went to the pub instead,” Goldsborough Avenue resident Kate Foley says. “When group activities are planned, everyone does their bit to help. We all agree it's good to know the people around you, especially post-Kaikoura. It’s important to be able to contact people nearby to check they’re alright.”

ENDS

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