Alert Level 4 lockdown has come as a devastating blow to our local businesses, many of whom are still feeling the massive impact of last year’s lockdowns.

My fingers are crossed that by the time you read this we have moved up alert levels, because this cuts so much deeper than businesses just being closed for operation. Retailers are completely unable to trade. Even those with e-commerce sites are unable to ship to customers, nor can they guarantee their willing supporters when that might change.

On the 17th August, hospitality businesses and others like Devonport Flowers had thousands of dollars in perishables onsite, and just six hours to make arrangements. Many opted to give perishables away FREE. A generous gift to ease fears and put smiles on faces, but still salt in the wounds for our business owners.

Despite that, our owners and staff know that they are part of the team of five million and again locked arms to be part of the solution to keep us all safe, healthy and happy.

This is my final article as BID Manager with the Devonport Business Association. It has been a crazy, exciting, whirlwind 18 months in the role; a service that I’m grateful to have been tasked with. But while I may be moving on to my next challenge, I am still a Devonport resident. This is my community too and I will continue to champion its incredible beauty, amazing opportunities and unique businesses. When we are again safe to shop, then gather in groups and eventually get back to what is New Zealand’s “new normal”, our businesses will once again need their community to Support Local and Shop Local. I will be ready to take up the call. Will you?

My hope is that you will be too because these are not just buzz words, they are crucial to the future and survival of our town centre as we know it. Devonport, let’s protect our village as we protect each other.

Kia kaha,

Shaulyn van Baaren