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Is your neighbour’s behaviour driving you crazy?
Is your neighbour’s behaviour driving you crazy? Before you start a neighbourhood war, put your diplomat’s hat on and have a nice talk with them.
“When it comes to problems with neighbours, a touch of diplomacy can go a long way.” says Neil Lancaster of Citizens Advice Bureau. “Whether you’re being kept awake every night by noisy neighbourhood parties, their tree is blocking your sun, or the dog from next door uses your lawn as a toilet – it’s always best to discuss the problem with your neighbour first and try to come to a compromise. They may not even know there’s a problem, and be quite willing to sort it out. When we see people with “problem neighbours”, we usually ask whether they’ve tried talking to them. If they have and it hasn’t been successful, we can help them work out where they stand with their particular situation and what their options are.”
If you’ve tried negotiating with your neighbour and they won’t budge, you may have to consider taking further action – and you’ll need to know what your rights are if you do. For example, when it comes to neighbourhood noise, you can contact your local council to find out what (if any) noise restrictions apply in your area. If you complain to your local council they can send a noise control officer to assess the situation. They can issue a notice asking the neighbour to reduce the noise if it’s deemed excessive or unreasonable, and non-compliance could result in confiscation of the noise-making equipment (such as a stereo or jackhammer).
Similarly, if you are bothered by constant barking from a neighbour’s dog, you can complain to your council and they can send a dog control officer to investigate. But try to work it out with the dog owner first, because drastic action (such as having the dog removed by a dog control officer) is sure to ruin any goodwill that you might have with your neighbours.
“If you have a problem with something that your neighbour is doing, and you haven’t been able to sort it out by talking to them, come and see us at Ara (CPIT), Fendalton Library and Hornby Library. You could also phone us for free from cell phone on 0800 367 222, or send us an email. We also have information about neighbourhood problems on our website www.cab.org.nz...
Wanted lawnmowers
I’m after anyone’s broken down petrol rotary lawnmowers will pay upto $30 if you have anything please send me a message I also do servicing repairs and parts cheers Shaun
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Looking for help in your garden?
Hi Neighbours,
My name is Harry and I have just started Good Nature Gardens.
With 10 years industry experience and qualifications in Landscape design and horticulture your garden is in safe hands. From lawn mowing to building planter boxes, we do it all. Visit our website to see our full range of services.
I can provide professional advice and quotes for all your garden projects.
I am local and ready to work so get in touch today!
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LIVE Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana
Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓
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