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...
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Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
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70.1% Yes
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26.8% No
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3.1% Other - I'll share below
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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