Connecting with communities: Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger

I really enjoyed getting out and about promoting the Neighbours Aotearoa campaign last month.

The theme was Let’s Celebrate, encouraging us all to reach out to neighbours, and strengthen community connections.
I love nothing more than meeting the people doing great things in the community and hearing their stories. They all help make our city a vibrant place for everyone to enjoy.

I caught up with mosque attack survivor Farid Ahmed at his home last month. It was a day to remember the tragedy of 15 March 2019, although Farid always focuses on the positive outcomes from that horrendous event. Last year, Farid and volunteers showed love and compassion by distributing cake to 100 neighbouring homes as a way of building harmony in our community.

Another charity dear to my heart is Cholmondeley Children’s Centre in Governor’s Bay. My wife Chrissy and I went along to their Open Day and were amazed and humbled by what they do to offer kids 24/7 respite care, outdoor activities and cool learning experiences in times of family stress or crisis.

Our city is a much better place with community connection at its heart.