With the negative impacts of the pandemic having taken so much of our attention, it is a welcome change to be able to focus on some recent positive signs for our local communities. As I write this article, we are enjoying an extended time in the relative freedom of Alert Level 1, which will hopefully remain the case for the foreseeable future. This, along with the long-anticipated news that a trans-Tasman travel bubble opened on 19th April, has, generally speaking, brought a welcome air of positivity locally, regionally and nationally.
Many businesses and individuals are looking forward to enjoying the increased freedom and opportunities that lie ahead, as the ability to meet family, friends and business partners becomes a reality. The long-awaited opportunity to meet in person is over for many people from all walks of life, hopefully providing the many positive experiences that social interaction brings, which have been sorely missed.
Long-term, sustainable economic recovery remains of paramount importance, so these steps in the right direction are particularly welcome and much needed for travel and hospitality businesses, as they try to regain some certainty for their ongoing operation. For some businesses, the flow-on effects from the success of the America's Cup events, although somewhat negatively impacted by the last lockdown, will give them a platform from which they can further build towards a financially sustainable future.
There are other positive signs to note, such as the fluctuation in the queue of ships anchored in local waters whilst waiting their turn to be unloaded, hopefully indicating some improvement in the supply chain for businesses and consumers alike. Also, within our business district there has been an increase in the number of new businesses coming into the area, thereby decreasing the number of commercial premises for lease or for sale and ideally, providing some local employment opportunities. Added to this, there is a lot of commercial and residential construction taking place, all of which helps to support the local economy, while also providing further employment opportunities for local residents.
Moving forward, the longer these and other positive signs continue, the more people will start to experience a feel-good factor. We have all learnt that we must not get complacent as you never know what’s around the corner, but I sincerely hope that most, indeed all, North Shore residents and businesses are enjoying a more positive outlook, as together we look to recover stronger.
Phone: 09 968 2222,
Mobile: 027 479 9563,
Email: kevin@businessnh.org.nz
