Lonely and new to New Zealand? Put on a pair of trainers and join this new Albany walking group. Sophie Bond goes for a stroll.
Miho Kodaira strides down a path in Kell Park, enjoying the sunshine on her day off.
Today, she's alone, but she hopes a new walking group will soon attract others keen to
make new friends and discover more of Albany. Ms Kodaira is an active member of the Albany Newcomers Network, which was formed in the area late last year.
She moved to the South Island from Japan in 2001, then to Auckland three years ago. "At first I found it too spread out. It was hard to find a place I could meet people.''
Ms Kodaira, who works as a mobile reflexologist on the North Shore, heard of the newly launched network through a Japanese support group.
"So I came to the coffee group and it was very inviting - small, but good for me.''
She soon became a key organiser of the group, initiating an international dinner and
helping with a recent gardening workshop. She hopes the soon-to-be-launched walking
group will attract more newcomers.
"Walking is an easy way to explore. It's good exercise and you're making friends. People can join us anytime they feel like it.''
She says the network has members from Croatia, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, China, Brazil and "even some Kiwis''.
"It's been amazing to meet them all and very inspiring. I feel like I'm in the right place with like-minded people.''
Albany Newcomers Network coordinator Lisa Grace is contracted to the community
development organisation, Albany CoCo, to run the scheme according to the Ministry of
Social Development model set up in other areas such as Nelson and the Bay of Plenty. It is the first of its kind in Auckland.
"We're really into combating isolation and loneliness,'' she says. "This year, I hope to see the network grow in numbers and cultural diversity. Ideally, we will end up with a range of activity groups so everybody's interests can be met and they can make friends.''
All comers
The first Newcomers Network walk is on Thursday, February 24 at 6.30pm and will leave from Albany House at 575 Albany Highway. Walks are fortnightly. The coffee group meets every Tuesday, 10am to midday, at Albany House. For more info, see: http://albany.newcomers.co.nz
Take change in full stride
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