Neighbourhood and Community Support
Being part of a neighbourhood can be rewarding, but sometimes issues arise that affect your enjoyment of your home or community. Whether you're dealing with a neighbour dispute, reporting a local issue, looking for support with animals, or wanting to get more involved in your community, there are services available to help.
This guide brings together practical information about common neighbourhood concerns and the organisations that can provide support, advice, or assistance.
Reporting Issues to Christchurch City Council
If you live within the boundaries of the Christchurch City Council, many neighbourhood issues can be reported directly to them.
Online Reporting: ccc.govt.nz/do-it-online#Report or use the Snap Send Solve app.
Urgent Issues (24/7): 0800 800 169
The Council can help with issues such as:
Dog attacks, barking dogs, lost or stray dogs, and animal welfare concerns
Water leaks and water-related problems
Graffiti
Road hazards and potholes
Litter in public places
Excessive noise
Trees, weeds, and overgrown vegetation
Pest and insect issues
General neighbourhood concerns
Overgrown Land and Fire Risk
If overgrown vegetation on private property is creating a fire risk, it is best to approach the owner or occupier first. If this is unsuccessful, contact your local Council.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand may become involved if there is a significant risk that a fire could spread to neighbouring properties, endanger lives, or cause major property damage.
Common Neighbour Disputes
Most neighbour disputes can be resolved through respectful communication, but sometimes additional support is needed. Common issues include noise, barking dogs, fences, trees, rubbish, shared boundaries, and other situations that interfere with the enjoyment of your home. Where possible, try talking to your neighbour first. If this doesn't resolve the issue, there are community services, councils, and dispute resolution options that may be able to help.
Noise Complaints: Noise from parties, music, power tools, or other activities can become a problem if it is excessive or ongoing. If it is safe to do so, consider speaking with your neighbour first. If the issue continues, the Council's noise control team may be able to investigate.
Barking Dogs: If a barking dog is disrupting your neighbourhood, speaking with the owner may resolve the issue. If the barking continues, Christchurch City Council's animal control team can investigate and work with the owner to address the problem.
Fences and Boundaries: Disputes about fence location, height, maintenance, or cost are common. In New Zealand, neighbours are generally expected to share the cost of an adequate boundary fence. If you're unsure where a boundary is located, you may need a property survey.
Trees and Vegetation: Overhanging branches, invasive roots, blocked sunlight, and property damage can all cause disagreement between neighbours. If a tree is creating a safety issue or causing damage, there may be options available to resolve the issue.
Rubbish and Property Maintenance: Accumulated rubbish, neglected properties, and health or safety concerns can affect neighbouring properties. In many situations, the Council can investigate complaints and work with property owners to address concerns.
Outdoor Fires and Smoke: Smoke from outdoor fires can affect neighbouring properties and may breach local rules. If you're concerned about smoke, check local Council and Fire and Emergency guidance.
Abandoned Vehicles: If a vehicle has been abandoned on a public road or is creating a safety concern, Christchurch City Council may be able to investigate and arrange removal.
Resolving Disputes: Many neighbour disputes can be resolved without legal action. Options may include: Talking directly with your neighbour; Using community mediation services; Contacting your local council; Seeking information from Community Law; Applying to the Disputes Tribunal. Taking a dispute to court can be costly and time-consuming, so it is often worth exploring informal solutions first.
Animals & Wildlife
If you find injured wildlife, it is important to contact the appropriate organisation.
- Native Wildlife: Department of Conservation: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
- Non-native Wildlife: Contact your local SPCA or wildlife rehabilitator.
Deceased Animals: If a deceased pet has a collar or identification tag, contact the owner if possible. If there is no identification, a local veterinarian can scan for a microchip.
Stray Cats: If a cat appears healthy, consider checking local lost pet Facebook groups, putting up notices, or contacting nearby veterinary clinics. If safely possible, taking the cat to a vet to check for a microchip may help reunite it with its owner.
Stray Dogs: Stray dogs are managed by local councils
Injured or Stray Birds: BirdCare Aotearoa and the Department of Conservation can provide advice about injured birds and wildlife.
Seals on the Beach
It is not unusual to see seals resting on Canterbury beaches. If a seal appears injured, is in danger, or is being harassed by people or dogs call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Do not attempt to move or handle seals yourself. Seals can become aggressive when stressed, and it is important not to separate mothers from their pups.
Disputes Tribunal
The Disputes Tribunal can be an option for some neighbourhood disputes. They may be able to settle
Fence disputes
Property damage
Borrowed items that have not been returned
Some flatmate disputes
The Tribunal cannot deal with: Landlord and tenant disputes, body corporate matters, and rates, taxes, benefits, or ACC payments
Information and Advice
Community Law provides free legal information and advice. Community Law is a Loft partner and operates a weekly clinic on a Tuesday morning. Contact them to make an appointment.
📞 0508 226 529
✉️ admin@canlaw.org.nz
🌐 www.canlaw.org.nz
📍 198 Montreal Street, Christchurch
Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, confidential information and support. They are also a Loft partner and have a drop-in clinic every Tuesday.
📞 0800 367 222
🌐 www.cab.org.nz
Support with Desexing Your Pets
SPCA Desexing Services: The SPCA regularly supports low-cost and subsidised desexing initiatives. spca.nz/centre/christchurch-centre
Feline Fix Programme: The Cats Protection League provides subsidised cat desexing for eligible Canterbury residents on low incomes or with a Community Services Card. 03 384 0006 (Option 2)
Humane Society of New Zealand: The Humane Society provides information and support around pet desexing. humanesociety.org.nz/de-sexing/
Community Food and Gardening
Connecting with local food initiatives can be a great way to learn new skills, meet people, and access fresh produce.
Christchurch Food Map helps people find local food gardens, growers, cooking classes, community food projects, and local food businesses. smartview.ccc.govt.nz/data/food-map
Community gardens offer opportunities to learn gardening skills, grow fresh food, and connect with others.
Some Christchurch gardens include:
Christchurch South Community Gardens
Halswell Community Garden
Richmond Community Garden
Opawa Community Garden
Linwood Resource Centre & Community Gardens
Packe Street Park & Community Garden
New Brighton Community Gardens
Moa Neighbourhood Community Garden
Riverlution Eco Hub
Lyttelton Community Garden
Many welcome volunteers and offer opportunities to get involved regardless of experience.
How The Loft Can Support You
The Loft is here to help you navigate neighbourhood concerns, community issues, tenancy questions, and local support services. Whether you're dealing with a dispute, looking for information about your options, trying to report an issue, or wanting to get more connected in your community, we can help point you in the right direction.
While we don't provide legal advice or mediation services, we can help you understand what support is available and connect you with the organisations best placed to assist. We can meet with you by phone or Zoom, making it easier to access support in a way that works for you.
If you'd like someone to help you take your next steps, Contact Us and our team will help you get connected.