The Piggery second-hand bookshop owner Chloe Clennell has more precautions in place but is happy to be back in business. Photo / Michael Cunningham
The Piggery second-hand bookshop owner Chloe Clennell has more precautions in place but is happy to be back in business. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Northland business owners thrilled to "be back in business" under level 3 today urged residents to shop local instead of looking offshore for a bargain.
The Government yesterday announced the region would drop an alert level in line with the rest of the country - bar Auckland - after wastewatertests came back Covid-free.
Under level 3, shops must remain closed to the public, but retailers can operate if they can provide contactless click and collect or delivery.
Cafes, restaurants and takeaways can open but only for contactless pick-up, delivery or drive-through. You cannot go in to dine.
The Piggery second-hand bookshop owner Chloe Clennell is opening the Whangārei store with reduced hours, but "hopefully there will be time enough for everyone".
"I'm a bit nervous, it's been a while and we have to go through more precautions than last level 3. But I'm very happy that we're back in business."
Businesses must also ensure physical distancing, and have extra hygiene measures in place.
Clennell said she and her staff will "do what we did last year", which included taking orders over the phone, via Facebook messenger and email, and using contactless payment methods.
"So people can drop by and say 'have you got a copy of this?', and as long as they keep their distance and wear a mask, hopefully it will work.
"Everyone is supposed to stay local during level 3, and as many businesses will be open as possible.
"People will find they've done a lot of reading over the last few weeks and might need to replenish."
Eko gift and clothing store owner Rachael Negus, who has stores in Kerikeri, Whangārei, Rotorua and Taupō, said they don't have click and collect on their website, though people can email orders.
"We can organise a time to pick-up but it's so hard, I don't know whether to get staff in as some live past Kaikohe, so it's not fair on them to come to work for that.
"People can come to the door and pick something up but that's about it."
Negus said she felt a "bit of anxiety around how long it's going to take to bounce back".
However, she was grateful for loyal customers who supported local businesses, she said.
"It's amazing how people do support shopping locally. They don't realise how much they're helping us out.
"We don't know if we'll be getting more from the Government this time round, or how we'll pay for everything. The bills don't stop.
"Last time we bounced back, though what scares me this time is a lack of Aucklanders."
Ferment owner Steve White said his Kerikeri wine shop would operate today via a window for takeaway coffee and click and collect for wine.
Ferment owner Steve White said supporting local businesses makes a big difference.
White said lockdown hasn't been too tough this time around, as he's been permitted to do contactless wine deliveries under level 4.
"The support we've been getting from locals has been great, I've been delivering wine every day.
"Support local, it makes a big difference."
Northland Bagels owner Chuck Tann said he was looking forward to opening at level 3.
He and partner Anna have set up an online ordering system and there will be a table across the door with a Perspex screen and contactless payWave.
"We're really looking forward to it. We've got two orders already.
"We're not expecting it to be crazy busy because people are still going to be in their bubbles, but people will want to get out and get food they've been missing and good coffee."
Far North business owner Georgina Joyce set up the Shop Local Northland Facebook page to help local businesses promote themselves and connect locals with goods and services.
Joyce said she wanted to make it accessible for businesses to "throw up their business idea and reach a good audience".
"I set up the group sitting in my PJs on Sunday morning as something for the community.
"Many small businesses do struggle, so if they can have any platform locally to promote their business without having to pay, and have an audience in the community that's good for them.
"A lot of people are shopping online to save $2 to buy from Australia instead of New Zealand."
NorthChamber chief executive Steve Smith renewed calls for Northlanders to support local businesses to strengthen the region's economy once lockdown restrictions ease.
NorthChamber chief executive Steve Smith renewed calls for Northlanders to support local businesses to strengthen the region's economy. Photo / Michael Cunningham
"People put their heart and soul into their businesses and we have seen throughout the various Covid lockdowns, that supporting local as much as we could is what gets us through the really tough times," he said.
"Supporting each other is what will help us come out the other side and bounce back really well."
Restaurant Association of New Zealand chief executive Marisa Bidois also called on Kiwis to support their favourite local cafes and restaurants as they open for takeaways.
"Many establishments have now honed their processes, menus and technology for safe level 3 operations," she said.
"Our restaurants and cafes are a much-loved part of our communities.
"We know that diners have their favourite places so for anyone now bored of their own cooking or trying to avoid the supermarkets this is the perfect opportunity to get out and revisit your local eateries."
