Reaching out across the fence

Neighbours do tai chi together in Simpson Reserve, Papamoa. Photo / George Novak

Neighbours celebrated their diverse communities across the Bay over the weekend.

Several events were held to celebrate Neighbours Day - a catalyst for thousands of Kiwis to connect with their neighbours and turn their streets into neighbourhoods.

Neighbours came together, bringing hard work and pride to their community as part of Neighbours Day at a working bee in Papamoa on Saturday.

Rain did not scare those away from Neighbours Day-inspired events in Simpson Reserve in Papamoa and Tye Park in Welcome Bay. An Easter egg hunt for young and old was also held in Harvey St, Tauranga.

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty Police organised the working bee in Papamoa after locals expressed concern about the upkeep of the area and anti-social behaviour.

"It was absolutely awesome to get everybody out and together in a positive light, rather than a negative one," said local resident and homeowner Carla Halidone. "It's good working with the police too, in a real happy and positive light as well, and building a safer, stronger community."

Inspector Clifford Paxton said the event had aimed to encourage the community to take an interest in their neighbourhood and surroundings.

"There's a lot of good people living in this area, and hopefully if we can encourage people to come out like today, interact with their neighbours, take an interest in their community and taking those opportunities where things can be done and improved."

Neighbourly organiser Tita Keune said she organised the Simpson Reserve event to bring groups, clubs and non-profit-organisations in Papamoa to showcase themselves to the community so people could become involved with them.

"Papamoa is geographically challenging. It's 15km long and about 1km wide. There are a lot of subdivisions and people are living behind these huge fences and unless you have kids at school you don't get to meet many people.

"It's growing at an amazing rate, with young families and lots of retirees but it's hard to make connections or meet people."

It was a day to get people involved, she said.

-Additional reporting Ruth Keber