Businesses take it day by day amid uncertainty

As $400 million is pumped into three new Interislander vessels, one cafe manager says one of the best things for business in Picton comes when a ferry is delayed.

The 2019/20 cruise ship season was forecast to be the biggest yet, cracking 100,000 visitors to Picton for the first time. The season was cut short, as cruise ships were among the first things to be cancelled in New Zealand’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The town had a population of about 4000, which meant businesses often relied on out-of-town visitors.

While it is unknown when cruise ships will return, the Government’s 2020 Budget put $400 million towards replacing the three ageing Interislander ferries and port infrastructure.

Cafe Cortado manager Kody North said it was ‘‘virtually impossible’’ to know how the coronavirus pandemic would affect business in Picton.

‘‘As much as we really rely on the cruise ships, luckily it was towards the end of our season,’’ North said.

‘‘I think if we can get more people from across the ditch that will be very helpful. We’re even looking at ways to get people from Blenheim out here.’’

He said one of the best things for business was when a ferry was delayed.

‘‘Getting on [the ferry], we definitely get a lot of customers through because they’ll wait around and have a coffee if they’re early or if the ferry is delayed.’’

$3 and more store co-owner Lorna Perry praised the wage subsidy but said she would rather see money pumped into the tourism sector, than spent on ferry upgrades.

She said the first two days of level 2 restrictions had been ‘‘really busy’’.

‘‘I think people were stocking up on things they had run out of in lockdown,’’ Perry said. ‘‘Going forward, it will be interesting to see if the turnover continues because we are going into the quiet time of year.’’

Spotlight On New Zealand owner Julie Sunley thought, depending on the weather, ferry passengers stopped in Picton.

‘‘If it’s a nice day, and they have a bit of time, then passengers come and have a walk around, stretch their legs and have a coffee,’’ Sunley said.

‘‘At this point, you just have to take it day by day. The wage subsidy has been great, and we just have to be thankful that we’re OK.’’

On Friday, The Paper Rain Project co-founder Indigo Greenlaw said the store would be open this week.

‘‘Predominantly, our customers are Kiwis, like repeat buyers online, and Kiwis on holiday in Picton,’’ Greenlaw said. ‘‘And the fact that we are a ferry town is a huge thing; it increases foot traffic.’’

Norimaki by Noodle Corner owner Udomsak Juchange said the wage subsidy helped to keep employers on, and welcomed an extension, but was worried for what would come once the subsidy ran out.

‘‘The ferry helps [business] a little bit. It does bring some people in.’’