South Wairarapa District Council is proud to support Neighbours Day Aotearoa 2021, which runs from Saturday, 20 March to Tuesday, 30 March 2021.

Supporting this Kaupapa in our district fits with our Positive Ageing Strategy, COVID Recovery objectives and community wellbeing. 

Supporting the reduction of loneliness and isolation experienced by many members in our communities is especially important for our elderly and vulnerable population post COVID-19, and in the event of another possible lockdown. Making it easier for members of neighbourhoods and community groups to contact each other, can be a simple yet powerful way to support the building of community connections, networks, wellbeing and resilience.

This year the theme is The Great Plant Swap! To support and enable neighbours to reach out to neighbours in our communities, we are providing post cards and small seed bags, to be available at all South Wairarapa libraries, to use as a gift or a way to connect with neighbours.

SWDC is also supporting two events for Neighbours Day Aotearoa!

Meet your Neighbours Plant Swap and Sale
When: Saturday 20 March, 2pm-4pm
Where: Cobblestones Museum, 169 Main Street, Greytown.
Cost: Free entry

The Great Plant Swap
When: Wednesday 31 March 2021, 10am
Where: Martinborough Community Garden, 51 Oxford Street, Martinborough
Cost: Free

There are of course many ways the community members can participate in Neighbours Day Aotearoa – swap plants, baking, hold a neighbourhood or community crop swap, or simply share a cup of tea (all following any COVID-19 protocols that may be in place at the time). 

There are also many other ideas on how to participate and get to know your neighbours on the Neighbours Day website  https://www.neighboursday.org.nz/

If you would like to find out more about how to support this initiative, please don’t hesitate to contact Community Development Coordinator Siv Fjærestad on cdco@swdc.govt.nz