Aucklanders discuss the importance of community in the region.
NZ Herald reporter Corazon Miller talks to people on the streets of Auckland to see how well they know their neighbours and what this meant for their sense of community and well being.
Craig Redmond - Yes, very well
St Mary's Bay
Craig Redmond from St Mary's Bay. Photo / Jason Oxenham
He counted his neighbours as friends, having all gathered to watch the Bledisloe Cup match on the weekend together. He trusted them and knew he could knock on their door as needed. He believed knowing his neighbours hugely improved one's sense of well being. He said the Christchurch earthquakes had made him realise just how important having a connected community was.
Monty Bhat - Yes, those on either side, but not very well
CBD
Monty Bhat from Quay Street. Photo / Jason Oxenham
He knew his neighbours on either side of his apartment, though not well enough to socialise with them. Despite this he was confident if he ever needed help he could reach out to them. Originally from India, he found there was less community connections in New Zealand, but felt this was growing.
Livia Vieira and Ocean Tn - No, but would like to get to know them
Mt Wellington
Ocean Tn from Mt Wellington. Photo / Jason Oxenham
They did not know their neighbours, though Ocean Tn said she would probably like to get to know them better. Nevertheless she felt she could ask her neighbours for help if needed.
She knew her neighbours - her children often played with the neighbours' children. She felt it was important to know her neighbours as it makes you feel more comfortable where you live.
Michelle Batchelor - Yes very well
Northcote Point
Michelle Batchelor with daughter Abigail from Nortcote Point. Photo / Dean Purcell
She knew her neighbours quite well - one was her daughter's plunket nurse. She also said if they went away they would watch each other's houses.
Pauline Batchelor - Yes very well
Orewa
She felt she lived in a good community neighbourhood, at Christmas they'd had a party and invited the neighbours over for lunch, and even took turns reading the paper. She said it was essential to know your neighbor, to have someone close by incase you need help, or to look after each other's property while away.
Adam Bibbie - Yes, most of them
Millwater
Adam Bibbie from Millwater. Photo / Dean Purcell
Adam Bibbie said they'd done a lot of work for their neighbours, which helped him get to know most of them. In addition his wife was on the local Facebook page, which helped them better connect to the community.
Gareth Kinill - No
Coatesville
Gareth Kinill from Coatesville. Photo / Dean Purcell
Gareth Kinill didn't know his neighbours, because they lived about two kilometres away. Though he said he could ring them if needed.
