How to be a good kiwi neighbour

William from Hillcrest

Dear editors and neighbours of Neighbourly,

I am writing to ask for your help on composing a simple and clear guide on how to be a good kiwi neighbour. That was what I needed when I immigrated to New Zealand, and in the 20 years since then, I have felt the need again and again when my Chinese friends came to New Zealand. Recently, I Googled and compiled some sentences from different websites. I’d like you to have a look and help me on English, also to add or remove lines as needed. Then I will translate into Chinese and pass it to my Chinese fellows.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Yours sincerely
William Lu


How to Be a Good Kiwi Neighbour

Method 1: Creating a Good Relationship

1.1 Introduce yourself.

When a new neighbour moves in, give them a bit of time to settle in and then come over and say hello. You can also give your neighbour any friendly local tips, such as when the rubbish and recycling collection day is.

1.2 Don’t throw light.

Security lighting can constitute light pollution if it shines directly into a neighbour’s property. Adjust the lighting angle to your own area only.

1.3 Contain your camera.

Make sure your CCTV cameras don’t point at part or all of your neighbour’s land. This could breach privacy laws and could be seen as harassment under the Human Rights Act.

1.4 Move peeking points.

If your kids have a trampoline in the back garden, make sure they can’t see into the neighbour's garden as they leap – this could also be seen as an invasion of privacy. Keep an ear on their sound levels too.

1.5 Avoid smoky and smelly.

Spare a thought for your neighbours – smoke from a grill, a chiminea, garden fire or even an indoor wood burner can constitute a nuisance. Smelly cooking may also irritate your neighbours.


Method 2: Keeping Your Space Clean and Organized

2.1 Maintain and care for any shared spaces.

If you share a hallway, entrance, or even lawn, then do your part to keep these areas as nice as possible. Pick up any rubbish that you see and never leave any.

2.2 Keep your lawn and garden tidy.

Maintain a regular lawn and berm maintenance schedule that includes regular mows throughout the year. Trim back any trees or hedges and clean up any flowerbeds.

2.3 Put your rubbish out at the right time and day.

Don’t take out your rubbish bags and recycling bin too early or too late and leave them on the curb for many days.

2.4 Be responsible for all of your pets.

Animals can be a big source of contention between neighbours. Have your animals fully vaccinated, licensed, and on a leash when in your neighbourhood. Pick up any pet poop and keep your animals quiet, not barking or howling. It can also help to tell your neighbours to feel free to come talk with you if your pets are ever bothering them.


Method 3: Being Noise-Conscious

3.1 Keep your noise levels low.

No one likes to hear loud chatting, shouting, crying, arguing all of the time. Keep this in mind as you go about your daily life and try to avoid being disruptive, especially during early morning or evening hours.

3.2 Check your noise source.

A bubbling hot tub and even a small water feature could be annoying your neighbours. Noise regulations also cover DIY and domestic chores. Environmental health officers recommend that use of power tools and noisy domestic appliances, like lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners and washing machines - should only take place between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays and never on a Sunday or a public holiday.

3.3 Give your neighbours notice before parties.

If you plan on having a large group of people come over, give your neighbours a heads up. Ask your guests to park in front of your house. Make sure they don’t block someone else’s driveway or use another resident's designated spot. The same goes for any other large, loud gatherings, such as ongoing renovation or construction.


Reference sites:

1.www.wikihow.com...

2.www.moncton.ca...

3.home.bt.com...

4.www.thespruce.com...