Neighbours Month in March is the perfect opportunity to strengthen connections in your community, with Good Neighbour offering two lucky streets the chance to win a street party.

Good Neighbour General Manager, Renee Hanna, said the street party initiative is designed to bring neighbours together and create stronger, more inclusive communities.

“By taking the time to reflect and celebrate the best aspects of our neighbourhoods, we’re aiming to help bring everyone closer,” said Hanna. “Every connection is an opportunity to build a stronger Tauranga, where everyone feels welcome, safe, and included.”

This year’s Neighbours Month theme, ‘Let’s Celebrate,’ encourages communities to come together—whether through a chat, a meal, or a neighbourhood event—to create lasting relationships.

To mark the occasion, Good Neighbour is giving away two midday street parties on 29 and 30 March. The winning communities will enjoy a two-hour family-friendly event featuring live music, street food, performers, and more.

Residents can enter by sharing a special memory or connection they have with a neighbour, along with a photo. It could be a neighbour who always lends a hand, a street-wide BBQ, or the way local children gather at the park.

The competition is open to Tauranga residents, with entries opening on Monday, 3 March, and closing on Sunday, 16 March. Entrants under 18 will need permission from a guardian. Once nominations close, an internal judging panel will select five finalists, with public voting on social media from 18 to 23 March. Winners will be announced on 24 March.

Hanna said the initiative is an important way to combat social isolation, promote mental wellbeing, and encourage inclusivity.

“Family-friendly street celebrations are the perfect opportunity to bring your community together to fight against social isolation, support mental wellbeing, and create more inclusive spaces for everyone,” said Hanna. “Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses and strengthen the important bonds between neighbours.”

Good Neighbour, a Tauranga-based not-for-profit charity, has worked since 2014 to connect and support communities through neighbourhood projects, food rescue services, community gardens, a commercial training kitchen, firewood services, and a dedicated care team.

“Through our various initiatives, we aim to transform lives, neighbourhoods, and communities by providing practical opportunities for people to support each other,” said Hanna.

Alongside the two grand prize street parties, spot prizes will be available for all entries. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Good Neighbour website.