Say hello to your new neighbour, the Tauranga City Council.

Council is joining Neighbourly.co.nz, a free online communications channel helping local communities getting to know one other.

Tauranga City Council. Photo: File.

The site allows Tauranga residents to ask questions, share advice, make recommendations, plan events, find employment, discuss local issues and even find missing pets.

Tauranga City Council joins other local organisations already using the site to connect with their communities including Volunteer Western Bay of Plenty, Envirohub, Red Cross, The Arty House, Presbyterian Support Northern, Acorn Foundation and Age Concern Tauranga.

Tauranga City Mayor Stuart Crosby says staff at Neighbourly.co.nz work closely with its partner organisations to help them meet their community engagement needs.

'We are constantly on the search for new and innovative opportunities to get people involved and to bring our vibrant and diverse communities together.

'Besides our own website, Facebook page and various publications, Neighbourly is another way for us to get in touch with the community to spread important news and information, and to form stronger connections among Tauranga residents, neighbourhoods and wider communities.”

Neighbourly co-founder and managing director Casey Eden is thrilled to have another local council committed to driving community engagement.

This is the fifth official council partnership for Neighbourly.co.nz, following similar agreements with the Rotorua, Whakatane, Whangarei and Hastings councils.

'It's exciting to see another passionate council in New Zealand proactively taking steps to present tools to their residents to allow them to connect and engage.

'We're looking forward to working closely with the council to grow a stronger, safer and friendlier Tauranga.”

Tauranga residents have been quick to embrace Neighbourly.co.nz with the most active suburbs including Papamoa Beach, Mount Maunganui, Pyes Pa and Welcome Bay. Papamoa Beach is nearing 450 members.

Hundreds of organisations across New Zealand are using Neighbourly.co.nz to connect with their local communities, including the New Zealand Fire Service, MPs, residents and business associations, crime and safety groups, community centres, schools, churches and more.

Casey will give a presentation to local organisations and residents at 2pm next Tuesday at the Tauranga City Council Chambers. All are welcome.

For more information, and to find out how you can get involved, click here