About us

our history

Tasked by Lifewise and Takapuna Methodist Church to seek out new and innovative ways to support local neighbourhoods, Rebecca Harrington – self-confessed community advocate – came across the following finding: many people today recognise they are isolated from their neighbours, yet are unsure what to do about it. After hearing that planned neighbourhood celebrations were becoming commonplace worldwide, Rebecca sought to establish a similar annual campaign in New Zealand, one that honoured our diverse and rich cultural heritage. Initially launched in Auckland in 2009, Neighbours Day Aotearoa became a nationwide initiative in 2011. NDA continues to be a catalyst for thousands of kiwis in getting to know their neighbours.

what we do

Supported by thousands of kiwis, and a campaign team made up of passionate, community-focused organisations, Neighbours Day Aotearoa is a national, multi-agency campaign that aims to get all kiwis to go one step further in getting to know their neighbours on one day (weekend) of the year. Driven by the simple belief that great neighbours make great neighbourhoods, the NDA campaign is about turning streets into neighbourhoods, strangers into friends and turning every street in New Zealand into a fun, friendly, safe and resilient place to live. It all starts with kiwis connecting with the people that live, behind, beside, in front and across the road from them.  

why we do it

Whether you live in a suburb, on a city block, in an apartment or on a rural property, you have neighbours – and knowing your neighbours matters. We believe that every connection you have with your neighbours could go a long way to making your neighbourhood more friendly, fun and safe. Through fostering better connected neighbourhoods and more everyday ‘neighbourliness’, Kiwi communities can be stronger and more resilient and the wellbeing of individuals, family/whanau and community will be significantly enhanced. We know that stronger neighbourhoods can be part of the successful antidote for the many ‘social issues’ within Aotearoa.

Campaign Team

Lifewise

Lifewise is an Auckland based not-for-profit community agency that provides critical services to vulnerable and at-risk people of all ages and is working to pass on a healthier New Zealand to the next generation. Lifewise was the driving force behind the first ever Neighbours Day in New Zealand.

 

Inspiring Communities

Inspiring Communities has been working since 2008 to grow the recognition, understanding and practice of community-led development and promote the difference it makes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Inspiring communities played a key role in building the momentum for the initial Neighbours Day campaign and have since that time been a campaign partner for Neighbours Day Aotearoa.

Neighbourhood Support

Neighbourhood Support (New Zealand Incorporated) provides support for all neighbourhood and rural support groups throughout New Zealand. Their aim is to make our homes, streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer and more caring places in which to live. Neighbourhood Support supported Neighbours Day in 2011 and joined the NDA team in 2012.

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

The Mental Health Foundation is creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. They work to influence individuals, whanau, organisations and communities to improve and sustain their mental health and reach their full potential. The Mental Health Foundation supported Neighbours Day in 2011 and officially joined the NDA campaign team in 2012.

Our Sponsors

Signify

At heart, Signify is about innovative web and mobile development. They create websites and mobile applications that are usable, accessible, functional, and striking while at the same time meeting the goals of their clients.

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