Eighty one percent of Aucklanders want to know their neighbours better. Not surprising when it can make your life easier, save you time and money and make your street a healthier and safer place to live.

Food co-operatives, carpooling, shared childcare, new parent groups, shared DIY tools, dog-walking, house-minding, community gardens, emergency contacts, not to mention street BBQs and new friendships - these are just a few of the things that can happen when neighbours get together. But Auckland’s not doing as well as it could; that’s according to the 2007 Quality of Life Report.

At LIFEWISE we deal with the fall-out of social issues such as child abuse, family violence, isolation and poverty every day. We believe that strong neighbourhoods, where people know and support one another, can help to reduce these issues, making a significant difference to our city.

So LIFEWISE has decided to take the lead. With the support of community organisations across the city, we’re encouraging all Aucklanders to mark 17 October on their calendar, to knock on doors, lean over the garden fence, say hi and get to know their neighbours better.

We’ve put together some fun ideas to help you connect with other people in your street, we’ve gathered some great examples to inspire you, we’ve asked some passionate Aucklanders to share their neighbourhood memories with us and we’re giving away a great prize, something fun you could share with your neighbours.

Joining us in making Neighbours Day happen are some amazing community groups from across the wider city. These include Inspiring Communities, Ka Mau Te Wero Charitable Trust, Manurewa Pacific Leaders Forum, Otara Health, Raeburn House and Takapuna Methodist Church.