Only one month to go until Neighbours Day Aotearoa 2021 kicks off!
This year's event runs from March 20 - 30th with the theme being 'The Great Plant Swap' as an easy way for neighbourhoods to grow stronger together.
Here's some ideas for ways you could get involved:
• swap seeds with a neighbour
• gift a plant you've grown to a neighbour
• take some flowers to a neighbour
• organise a produce swap
• share garden tips or recipes for food in season
• create community gardens or berm pollinator pathways
• host an inclusive garden-themed working bee
• a friendly neighbourhood BBQ with homegrown ingredients
The options are endless! At the end of the day, our shared aim is to help bring people together by encouraging intentional connection with our neighbours. Whether that be organising a street party, sharing a cuppa, or simply saying ‘Kia Ora!” to those who live around you, every action helps to create a safer and more connected New Zealand.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.5% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Garden services this Spring!
Spring/Summer is the best time to clear out weeds that have overgrown, leaves that need to be cleared, hedges to be trimmed, small trees that need pruning!
Book before the end of October to receive a 5% discount on your first service. My email is infogardenm@gmail.com
- Check out my Instagram page for inspiration and updates: @_amylouisegarden_
- Follow my Facebook page: Amy& Louise Garden Services