Thank you for using Neighbourly
A man has been ambushed and assaulted while he waited for a woman he met on a dating app. The 31-y…
Neighbours in Tamaki's Te Kare neighbourhood build community through regular street working bees.
By the time Andrew Pether and his wife bought their house in the Fenchurch neighbourhood, newly developed by Tamaki Regeneration Company, they’d already gotten the hang of living in close … View moreNeighbours in Tamaki's Te Kare neighbourhood build community through regular street working bees.
By the time Andrew Pether and his wife bought their house in the Fenchurch neighbourhood, newly developed by Tamaki Regeneration Company, they’d already gotten the hang of living in close density. Andrew’s wife had grown up in apartments in Europe; he’d done a stint in the UK in terraced housing where space was tight.
But they’ve been surprised and pleased at how close the people on their precinct have become. Most of the residents are new – Andrew only moved in April this year – so he thinks that’s helped create the network.
“We’ve got the Facebook groups going, we feed the cats or put the bins out when people are away,” he says. “We’d lost that for a while, everyone had their fortress and you didn’t bother trying. But because we’re all new together, we’re not suspicious, we get involved.”
Before they bought, the couple had rented for three or four years in the next development over, Wai O Taki Bay, so had enjoyed doing as much locally as they could. They’d sussed out the train station at Glen Innes, their daughter could bus to university or sports and they’ve found they’re using the car less and less – much like their time in London.
“You can’t have the quarter acre dream, but when you get realistic about what you can get for price, area, space and amenities, then it’s a good compromise,” says Andrew, pointing out that kids in the area scooter about and make the most of local parks, including the school grounds of the local college and primary school or there’s a triangle park for smaller kids to play closer to home.
“The number one rule is to compromise,” says Andrew. “Understand that not everyone has a parking space, so you have to be understanding that we’re all a bit tight for space.
“Be aware of the kids on scooters, so you take care, you act accordingly.”
A neighbourhood powhiri a month or so after the family moved to the street, organized by a couple of families, was the ice-breaker everyone needed: people introduced themselves in English, Maori, Tongan, different Indian languages and Filipino and it got the social media groups going.
“Our community is so diverse, you can’t tell which is state housing or not, people respect and appreciate each other and it does make you up your game a bit.
“For all sorts of people, living this close together is not foreign. Kiwis have to up their game a bit. It’s lovely to get out and start walking and doing as much as you can locally.”
On the other side of town, Amanda and her husband Mike have learned that lesson in the nearly three years they’ve been in Hobsonville Point.
Before buying there the couple had lived in another new and dense area, Stonefields, but was also familiar with city living from their time in London.
“For us it’s about helping each other out. That means mail collected, or putting rubbish out, but also being mindful when you’re parking that you’re not taking up too much room,” Amanda says.
Indeed, the family has loved not having to use their car, walking to daycare or the dairy, or to catch the ferry into the city. While Amanda and Mike’s kids are still small, they’ve noticed that the older kids are out playing – everyone seems to know everyone else’s kids – and are looking forward to their children being old enough to meet up on their own at the playgrounds dotted around Hobsonville Point.
The family have not found noise to be an issue, the adjoining walls in the terrace houses are well sound insulated, and they’ve noticed people are very respectful about not playing music too loud, notifying each other if a party is like to disrupt neighbours.
While houses have their own lawns and courtyards, there are also enthusiastic ‘berm days’ for cleaning up shared street areas (with a barbecue to finish) that cements bonds and promote pride in their street.
Amanda says being out on the streets, walking and keeping an eye out, is part of the attraction of dense living, with people keen to be involved in the community. Shopping locally, including the farmers market, but also other business, is another way of locking in a community, she says.
Andrew’s final tip for up-close neighbourly living: “Get involved, be nosy and just enjoy it.”
Article by Catherine Smith
A person is fighting for their life after an e-scooter accident on Auckland's waterfront. The incid…
This years Muso's Bash to raise money for the SPCA is promising to be a beauty with so much talent supporting it.
Starts at 1 pm on Sunday 22 September with the entry tickets costing only $10 and with raffles available through-out the day.
The president of New Zealand's criminal lawyers' society supports legalising cannabis for personal u…
A woman has been charged with 20 counts of shoplifting relating to the theft of lingerie, knives and…
Summer is just a CoverCorp awning away!
Your complete awning specialist for awning, canopies, patio screens and retractable roof systems.
Covercorp (formerly Rentex Canvas Company) has been in business for more than 28 Years. Our dedicated staff have a combined experience of more than 70 … View moreSummer is just a CoverCorp awning away!
Your complete awning specialist for awning, canopies, patio screens and retractable roof systems.
Covercorp (formerly Rentex Canvas Company) has been in business for more than 28 Years. Our dedicated staff have a combined experience of more than 70 Years! You may not realize it, but many awnings in Auckland are an Original Covercorp Awning.
Contact us for your complimentary on-site consultation.
Webiste: www.covercorp.co.nz
Phone: 09 579 0570
We want to say a heartfelt thank you to Wattie’s NZ and the 150 schools who took part in this year's Cans for Good campaign. Thanks to the incredible effort of students, teachers and whānau, over 30,000 cans were collected and will make a huge difference to Salvation Army foodbanks around … View moreWe want to say a heartfelt thank you to Wattie’s NZ and the 150 schools who took part in this year's Cans for Good campaign. Thanks to the incredible effort of students, teachers and whānau, over 30,000 cans were collected and will make a huge difference to Salvation Army foodbanks around Aotearoa.
Wattie’s generously donated a further 25,000 cans taking the total number collected to over 56,000 cans.
CHICKEN KORMA CURRY Serves 4 Ready in 30 minutes Recipe courtesy of My Food Bag, from its MADE o…
2 CHAIRS--$290 VALUE FOR $200—ST JOHNS PICKUP
1. Neader Ergonomic Gaming Office Chair w/Footrest - Blue & Black OFZR-K3782BL, new for $190 plus shipping. BRAND NEW STILL IN BOX. Pick up $160.
2. Ergonomic Kneeling Chair new for $100 plus shipping. Used only few times, like new. Pick up $60.
… View more2 CHAIRS--$290 VALUE FOR $200—ST JOHNS PICKUP
1. Neader Ergonomic Gaming Office Chair w/Footrest - Blue & Black OFZR-K3782BL, new for $190 plus shipping. BRAND NEW STILL IN BOX. Pick up $160.
2. Ergonomic Kneeling Chair new for $100 plus shipping. Used only few times, like new. Pick up $60.
BUY BOTH FOR $200NZD.
Griffiths and Blowett Brass Mark 1 Parrafin oil Fighting Lantern
Good condition as shown - reservoir and burner missing.
Approx 19cm x 19cm x 32cm high
Pick up from Ponsonby Auckland Currently on Trademe
Have a look at these!!
1. Steamship Print 30w x 34 deep. AMC Boats Print Approx 44 w x 23D
2. KZ1 and KZ7 yachts print Approx 36cm D x 52cm W
3. Otago Peninsular watercolour by Joan Hardy Approx 42cm D x 51cm W
4. Sailing Yacht - watercolour by Ken Slater Approx 40cm D x 31cm W
5. View from … View moreHave a look at these!!
1. Steamship Print 30w x 34 deep. AMC Boats Print Approx 44 w x 23D
2. KZ1 and KZ7 yachts print Approx 36cm D x 52cm W
3. Otago Peninsular watercolour by Joan Hardy Approx 42cm D x 51cm W
4. Sailing Yacht - watercolour by Ken Slater Approx 40cm D x 31cm W
5. View from Milford by Caith Mitchell Approx 75cm D x 62cm W
6. River Scene by Winifred Kite Approx 51cm D x 60cm W
7. Prize Yacht – gaff and Bermuda rigs no 38 of 200 prints Approx 71cm D x 84cm W
8. Cromwell in the old days – oil painting – purchased in Miller’s Flat Approx 61cm D x 84cm W
9. Rum Race – watercolour Approx 79cm D x 68cm W
Pick up from Ponsonby. Koha appreciated.text 021 170 6766
Opinion: Ageism is getting old! How can intergenerational connections help combat ageism? On Octob…
Kia ora neighbours. A brave Auckland woman has shared her experience of what life was like with her husband behind bars, and the lasting effect it's had on her and her children.
She's calling on the government to do more to support families of prisoners.
You can read her powerful … View moreKia ora neighbours. A brave Auckland woman has shared her experience of what life was like with her husband behind bars, and the lasting effect it's had on her and her children.
She's calling on the government to do more to support families of prisoners.
You can read her powerful account via the read more button below.
(Add NP if you do not wish your comment to be used in print.)
Laughter isn’t lost within the houses
The sound of it penetrates the air
Filling the atmosphere with invisible electricity
That affects all who hear the sound of happy
Shrieks of laughter from high above
As children look down on passer-by’s
Playing hide and seek behind high balconies
That … View moreLaughter isn’t lost within the houses
The sound of it penetrates the air
Filling the atmosphere with invisible electricity
That affects all who hear the sound of happy
Shrieks of laughter from high above
As children look down on passer-by’s
Playing hide and seek behind high balconies
That affects all who hear the sound of happy
Music drifting out through walls
In rooms behind closed curtains
Notes that play to all who happen to listen
That affects all who hear the sound of happy
Dark brooding streets aligned with cars
People and dogs walking side by side
Happy tails wagging and bouncing in stride
That affects all who hear the sound of happy
Next time you happen to be in your neighbourhood
Whether visiting friends or your home
Take a moment to listen in
That affects all who hear the sound of happy
For this and other poetry visit the Poetry and Prose group of Neighbourly Thank you
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
