Everybody needs good neighbours
Nelsonians put sausages on the barbecue and celebrated with those who live nearby as part of that Neighbours Day.
Neighbourhood Support Nelson coordinator Karen Clark said at the weekend there were at least 45 gatherings with neighbours getting together to support each other.
Clark said she gave out meat pack, bakery and pizza vouchers to encourage neighbourhoods to take part and they were snapped up quickly.
In Muritai St, Tahunanui residents did not let the wet weather stop their celebrations, gathering in the garage of Bronwyn Shallcrass and Quinton Gately to share a meal.
In Stoke’s Marsden Park resident Pete de Jong said it was the fourth year the community had celebrated Neighbours Day. The event is celebrated throughout New Zealand.
He said there was a mix of neighbours old and new and the event was a chance for people to connect with other members of the community.
The wet weather meant the barbecue was held in a garage and under gazebos but there were still plenty of sausages and around 40 people showed up to celebrate.
‘‘This neighbourhood is only four years old but it has done Neighbours Day every year. There is a good, strong community presence in Marsden Park.’’
The event was also a chance for residents to check out the community defibrillator, which was purchased last year.
It is located in an accessible position and so far, hadn’t needed to be used, de Jong said.
The defibrillator was pur- chased by Marsden Park developer John McLaughlin and local building contractor Andrew Douglas.
Donations from the community would go towards its maintenance, de Jong said.