‘It feels like a kick in the teeth’ - Beri
Waiau Lodge Hotel has been dealt another devastating blow after their application for the Future Kaikoura Business Recovery Grant was declined.
The historic lodge was redstickered following the Kaikoura November earthquake, and owner Michelle Beri had been operating from a temporary building in the carpark since May.
Beri spent $3,000 on accountant fees and information in order to apply for the Business Recovery Grant Programme, which was intended to offer financial assistance to quake-affected businesses while SH1 remained closed.
She had applied for $210,000, which would help with costs owing on the temporary bar, engineers reports and a $70,000 loan, in a bid to get back on her feet.
Eventually, Beri wants to restore the original hotel, or the ‘‘Grand Lady’’ as it is often referred to.
The Hurunui District Council said the panel felt they did not have enough information to ascertain the business viability and profitability going forward.
She had been encouraged to reapply, however it would cost a further $5,000 to $10,000 in engineering reports, which she could not afford.
‘‘It feels like a kick in the teeth. We are taking each day as it comes but it is really hard to keep your chin up.’’
Businesses must have suffered a loss of income as a result of the November earthquake, been viable before the earthquake and able to recover successfully.
They must also have no other financial options available, such as insurance, and provide a significant source of income to the owner, amongst other criteria.
Hurunui Mayor Winton Dalley said he worked hard with the Ministry to alter the criteria to allow Hurunui businesses to be eligible.
The criteria was initially so severe that the majority, if not all Hurunui businesses would not fit it, he said. So far, only two Hurunui businesses have received the grant and eight in Kaikoura.
Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith said he was fully supporting Beri. He had taken her case to Minister of Economics Simon Bridges but was yet to receive a response.
‘‘She’s a fantastic lady and it’s typical that it’s the little guy who comes off worst in these situations.’’