MEDIA RELEASE
01 December 2009
A series of events organised by Taupo District Council are giving people the chance to meet their neighbours in a fun and friendly atmosphere at nearby reserves.
The popular ‘Our Neighbourhood’ series of events is scheduled to continue this summer, after a short break to wait out the end of the cold weather. The events feature barbeques, live ‘unplugged’ style music, some fun activities organised by Sport Waikato, and an appearance by Harold the Giraffe for the kids, all encouraging a sense of community spirit.
These final events in the series covering Taupo will be held on Friday afternoons throughout summer, from 5 till 7pm; a shorter timeframe than previous events.
Taupo District Council Strategic Relationships Manager Dylan Tahau says the events are designed to bring people together, and encourage a sense of pride in the community. “Remember when you used to know everyone in your neighbourhood? These events are an excuse to get out and meet your neighbours and hopefully get to know them better. The events held earlier this year were hugely popular and we’re hoping to continue that success.”
“A huge thanks to our event partners Neighbourhood Support, More FM, Sport Waikato, Life Education Trust, and Hirepool for helping to make the events happen” says Mr Tahau.
The first event will kick off this Friday evening, 4 December at 5pm at the Mere Rd Reserve. Everyone in the area is encouraged to come along and enjoy some free food, entertainment, and get to know the people in your neighbourhood. More FM will be covering the event live and will advise if it is to be moved due to wet weather.
Joy Johnson of event partner Neighbourhood Support says it is also about the security of knowing your neighbours around you. “When you know who your neighbours are, you know you can depend on them in any emergency to keep an eye out for you, as you will for them.”
To find out more about an event near you, contact the Taupo District Council on 376 0899 or visit the 'Our neighbourhood' webpage here.