Make Kai Connections this Neighbours Day

March 18-27 marks Neighbours Day Aotearoa 2022, an annual event encouraging community building across New Zealand by celebrating the connection that happens across the fence, down the street or over a cuppa.

Now in its thirteenth year, Neighbours Day Aotearoa started with the belief that connection with our neighbours makes our community more friendly, strong and resilient - enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, whānau and the wider community.

Last year, Community Networks/LINK marked the occasion with a series of community-building events including workshops, a morning tea and a movie night.

The theme for 2022 is connecting over kai – growing, sharing and eating food together. In these uncertain times, connection is more important than ever, so we encourage you to come together - however works best for you and your whānau.

Here are just a few ways you can make Kai Connections this year:

• Garden and Gather at the Wānaka Rec Centre’s community garden drop-in sessions on March 22, 23 and 24.

• Share produce at the 5 Community Produce Stands around the Upper Clutha, located at the Wanaka Community Hub, Wanaka Recreation Centre, Wanaka Wastebusters, Lake Hāwea Community Centre and Sherwin Avenue in Albert Town.

• Check out recipes from local café favourites on our website and Facebook page.

• Check on neighbours who may be self-isolating and see if they need any support - whether that’s a chat, a delivery of supplies, or some produce from your garden.

Head to www.link.org.nz for more info.

It’s especially important that we look after ourselves and others just now. Check out the Neighbours Day tips and resources at neighboursday.org.nz, and don’t hesitate to be in touch with us at Community Networks/LINK if you need a little extra support. Staff are available to help Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm or 03 443 7799. You can also call or text 1737 for free, 24 hours a day, to speak to a trained counsellor.