Support for local businesses is vital

The economic development agency for Taranaki says support for local businesses remains vital as New Zealand moves into coronavirus alert level 2. ‘‘We need to take stock of where our spending is going,’’ Venture Taranaki [VT] chief executive Justine Gilliland said. ‘‘Is it benefiting the local economy, and the enterprises that make up not just that economy, but our communities?’’

She said professional services grants have helped to connect more than 380 local enterprises with professional advice and support.

This has been funded through more than $152,000 in New Plymouth, South Taranaki and Stratford district councils grants, along with a further $243,000 from government, she said.

Meanwhile, businesses across the region were keen to get back to work. In South Taranaki, butcher Grant Hurley, of Hurley’s Butchery, in Pa¯ tea, has spent the lockdown working on his farm and making repairs to the shop.

He and colleague Shaun Hipplight were busy yesterday making sausages.

Paula Richards and her daughter Ria Wineera were back at Clippers Cutting Bar in Ha¯ wera, fielding non-stop phone calls for appointments. Richards said the large shop meant there was plenty of room for all six staff. She said most clients would need more of a trim than usual, and she expects to fix a few lockdown self-haircuts.

At Arborio restaurant in New Plymouth, owners Simon and Marnie Johnston-Saywell have been getting ready. ‘‘It’s sad to see a business sit empty and soulless for so long and so we’re looking forward to getting back,’’ Marnie said.

Real estate agent Anna Straathof used the first couple of weeks of lockdown for family time, but was looking forward to getting back to work. ‘‘We’ll be able to take more buyers through a property each day, and start working with out-of-town buyers again, some of whom I’ve already lined up appointments with this weekend.’’