Let’s Celebrate: Bringing neighbourhoods together one cuppa at a time

As the saying goes: everybody needs good neighbours, and that’s exactly why Waikanae resident Doug Miller will be hosting an Over the Fence Cuppa event in March.  

What is Over the Fence Cuppa? 

It’s an annual initiative, supported by Kāpiti Coast District Council and Neighbours Aotearoa, that encourages people to organise an event in their street or surrounds, and creates opportunities for neighbours to get to know each other better. Council provides event planning resources and goody bags to make hosting easy.  

The theme this year is Let's Celebrate, and so on a (hopefully) sunny day in March, Doug’s otherwise sleepy cul de sac will be doing just that, as more than a dozen households come together to share some kai and conversation.  

Doug’s ‘Over the Fence Cuppa’ experience 

Doug hosted his first Cuppa event way back in 2012 when he was living in Tawa. After he moved to Kāpiti in 2022 Doug was delighted to be able to continue organising Over the Fence Cuppas in his new neighbourhood. Each year he organises a street BBQ, and says that it’s a great way to meet some of the people who live in the vicinity who otherwise might not have the opportunity to chat. 

“I invite 40 or so households and set up the barbeque in the parking bay. People bring their own chairs and a little bit of food,” Doug said. 

“Not everyone can make it, and some people don’t like that kind of thing, and that’s fine. We usually have a really good turn out and a good day.” 

Doug has found that the benefits go beyond socialising.  

“If you meet people socially and they’re nice there’s a higher level of trust,” Doug said.  

“The by-product is that if you get to know your neighbours, they’re more likely to ask for or offer help – it might even be just for those small things, like collecting the mail if you’re on holiday,” he said. 

“But having good relationships with your neighbours is especially important for when things go wrong, like in 2023 when we had a big storm. It’s a good idea to get to know your neighbour so if there’s a civil emergency, you’re comfortable to go next door and check in on people, or know who might be able to help.” 

Doug’s advice to anyone who might be interested in hosting a cuppa event is to just give it a go.  

Where to start? 

Getting involved is easy. Simply register to host an event before COB Friday 28 February, and Council will supply you with everything you need to get started.  

This year Cuppa events can be held anytime between Friday 14 March and Sunday 30 March. You decide the time and place – it might be in someone’s garden, on your berms at the end of your street, or in a nearby park – whatever works for you.  

Council provides vouchers that can be used for catering, there are street games to borrow, as well as options to invite a guest speaker to facilitate a workshop, or you can keep it social. Some people have started crop swaps, or working bees. Ultimately, it’s whatever you want to make it.  

Ready to bring your neighbourhood together? Register now at: kapiticoast.govt.nz/neighbours