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Friendship benches tackle social isolation through good old chat.
Cafler Park’s Rose Gardens prosper this Spring, in a different way than usual. . . whilst the flower buds are still blooming, new friendships are about to flourish.
Whangarei Communities are set to welcome their first two public… View moreFriendship benches tackle social isolation through good old chat.
Cafler Park’s Rose Gardens prosper this Spring, in a different way than usual. . . whilst the flower buds are still blooming, new friendships are about to flourish.
Whangarei Communities are set to welcome their first two public Friendship Benches at a blessing held in the gardens on Saturday 30 November 2019, 10 am. The blessing is open to the public to come and celebrate the concept.
The Northland Indian Association Inc (NIAI) have proudly donated these two Friendship Benches to the Community in partnership with the Whangarei District Council. “These are the first of two NIAI Friendship Benches and we hope to see others in Northland” says Ralph Correa, Northland Indian Association, Board Chair.
The idea is aimed at combating Social Isolation amongst our communities an issue raised by senior members of the NIAI and the Whangarei District Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Group (PAAG) earlier in the year. Board members of the NIAI were keen to support PAAG as social isolation can also be common in ethnic groups who are settling. The Friendship bench, a village concept is simple yet effective. People can sit and share the space with someone who is open to have a chat, listen, share stories and make friends. All ages, cultures and abilities can participate.
The concept was tested at the Whangarei Central Library inside on the International Day of Older Adults and was well received. The bench was also presented at the “Diwali Festival of Lights” held on 12 October 2019 at Forum North where 500 community members were in attendance.
“Friendship benches are strategically placed in an open and well-travelled by area of the park so that people can easily identify when someone is seeking conversation, but also to ensure people are safe” says Spencer Jellyman, Technical Officer, Parks Department, Whangarei District Council.
People are busy and have less time to stop to have a chat. There is a growing epidemic of Social Isolation, especially after the ‘stranger danger’ days. It may sound like a strong term, but social isolation is a potential danger for many of us. Simple tools like a friendship bench could be the highlight of someone’s day and make a real difference. It’s a phrase we may associate with older people when they become less active and able to engage in their community, but social isolation can easily occur at any age.
“The Friendship Bench is a safe mechanism with the ability to really boost community connections across the district”, says Ralph Correa.
Interested in having more friendship benches around the district? The NIAI is accepting donations to introduce the seats to other areas of Whangarei. For further information please contacting contact@northlandindianassociation.com.
Residents opposed to Housing NZ's 37-lot subdivision planned for Puriri Park have little choice but to accept it, with mayor Sheryl Mai saying it meets a desperate housing need. What do you think of the development? Is it in the right place in Whangārei?
Bring your home to life with a hanging plant holder.
It’s a gorgeous way to display your indoor plants.
Use your favourite Resene colours to complement the rest of your home. Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick … View moreBring your home to life with a hanging plant holder.
It’s a gorgeous way to display your indoor plants.
Use your favourite Resene colours to complement the rest of your home. Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick and easy project yourself
For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North … View moreFor over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North and South Island. These new shorter escapes are the perfect length of time for those adventurous seniors who want a taste of the spectacular excursions and sights our country has to offer.
To celebrate the launch of our brand new tours, our friends at TV Guide and Neighbourly are giving away a year’s subscription for TV Guide to one lucky adventurer!
All you have to do is tell us a New Zealand destination you would love to visit via this link and you'll be in the draw to win!
Entries close 19th December 2019.
Climate change, dry weather and deforestation have all led to an early hose ban in Northland's Kaikohe. There are no such restrictions in Whangārei but it has been a dry year here and reservoir storage levels were down in winter. If one was introduced, how would a hose ban impact you?
The Mid Northern Rodeo's 2020 event has been cancelled, in part because of animal rights activists' discouragement of sponsorship. What do you think of rodeo?
Need a hand I called EasyfixNZ based in Whangarei they are the ones to call for maintaining around the home and garden
easyfixnz.co.nz...
Northland's open fire season ends on Tuesday with Fire and Emergency NZ saying hot, dry weather means fire should only be allowed by permit. Do you think it has been hot and dry? How will the fire ban affect you?
Time is running out to enter your nomination! With just over a week to go, don't miss out on the chance to win enough Resene paint and accessories to colourfully transformed your community.
We've had dozens of entries into the Resene Colour Your Community competition - you can … View moreTime is running out to enter your nomination! With just over a week to go, don't miss out on the chance to win enough Resene paint and accessories to colourfully transformed your community.
We've had dozens of entries into the Resene Colour Your Community competition - you can check them out here.
Now's your final chance to paint a new mural for your community hall, clean up graffiti or refresh your local playground's paint job.
Every day, New Zealand teachers are creating brighter futures for children and young people, with lessons that can seem small, but are significant in terms of their impact.
These are lessons about important life skills such as confidence, identity, respect and persistence.
Become a teacher … View moreEvery day, New Zealand teachers are creating brighter futures for children and young people, with lessons that can seem small, but are significant in terms of their impact.
These are lessons about important life skills such as confidence, identity, respect and persistence.
Become a teacher and take your place alongside our children and young people. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives; to strengthen communities and build a better future for our next generations.
We all have a favourite business - where the people are super friendly, the goods or services top notch, the deals great, or we appreciate the sponsorship they give to the town.
The most valuable contribution of small businesses, is the community spirit they foster. They set up shop where they see… View moreWe all have a favourite business - where the people are super friendly, the goods or services top notch, the deals great, or we appreciate the sponsorship they give to the town.
The most valuable contribution of small businesses, is the community spirit they foster. They set up shop where they see potential for their vision to flourish, and we want to celebrate that.
Tell us who your fave business is and why, and you could win a $50 Prezzy card just in time for Christmas! Comment below!
The Ministry for the Environment has opened consultation on a proposed expansion of the landfill levy.
Currently, disposing of waste in a landfill is generally cheaper and easier than alternatives like recycling, composting and reusing. Waste going into landfills has been steadily increasing. Only… View moreThe Ministry for the Environment has opened consultation on a proposed expansion of the landfill levy.
Currently, disposing of waste in a landfill is generally cheaper and easier than alternatives like recycling, composting and reusing. Waste going into landfills has been steadily increasing. Only a small proportion of New Zealand’s waste is currently reused or recycled. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of household waste production per capita in the OECD.
The reality is that many resources sent to New Zealand landfills could be recycled, composted or reused. There are many reasons why this is not happening. The main ones are lack of incentives, and lack of easy, readily available alternatives. The relatively low cost of disposal to landfill and the higher cost of recovering and recycling materials leads to products that could be recycled being taken to landfill instead.
The proposed levy changes are initially balanced, to allow households and businesses to adjust while new and improved waste management systems are established, but also to minimise the risk of increased fly-tipping or illegal waste disposal. It is estimated that the levy changes would lead to a fee increase of about 35 cents per 65-litre household rubbish bag by 2023.
The Ministry has provided a six-page summary consultation document and the full consultation document (81 pages). There is an online submission tool, and a Facebook post for sharing with family, friends and interested parties.
A Colmar Brunton survey showed one in three New Zealanders (34 per cent) were reducing their meat consumption or eating no meat at all. Baby boomers were leading the meat-reduction charge, while most vegans and vegetarians were millennials, they found. What about you? Would you try a plant-based … View moreA Colmar Brunton survey showed one in three New Zealanders (34 per cent) were reducing their meat consumption or eating no meat at all. Baby boomers were leading the meat-reduction charge, while most vegans and vegetarians were millennials, they found. What about you? Would you try a plant-based diet? Vote in the poll below.
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