In the neighbourhood

Neighbourhood Support has outgrown its "nosy neighbour" roots to perform a local networking role that beats social media, writes COLLEEN BROWN.

- COLLEEN BROWN

In this digital age, connecting with your neighbours and guarding your property have never been easier. We’ve got a plethora of online tools to stay in touch, and to keep an eye on our surroundings at all times.

So, aren’t those letterbox and power-pole signs warning that Neighbourhood Support is also watching so last century? Apparently not. Staff in the organisation’s head office, housed in the police national headquarters in Wellington, say they’ve never been busier.

Initially known as Neighbourhood Watch, the organisation has been around in the United States since the 1960s and in New Zealand since the late 70s. Launched here as a crime-prevention initiative by the police, it changed its name in the 90s to distance itself from perceptions that it was a network of nosy neighbours snitching on each other. These days it works in partnership with the police, and claims to have 69 groups across New Zealand whose goal is to keep communities connected and safe.

Chief executive Tess Casey has previously worked in the community sector, and says the connection between neighbours is just as important as the safety factor. “Back in the day, the organisation was about security. Today, it has to reflect our modern lives. It’s important for people to feel good about where they live and who they live next to,” she says.