Tourism hit likely harder in summer
Economic activity in Mackenzie has declined by a lower rate than the rest of the country, according to a report by economic consultants Infometrics.
Provisional estimates show economic activity in the district is down 2.3 per cent compared to a decline of 3.3 per cent nationally.
The report says the Mackenzie has benefited by a ‘‘surge in domestic tourism’’ but also warns that boost will not cover the loss of international tourists over summer.
Domestic visitors spent $28 million more in Mackenzie in the September 2020 quarter than in the September 2019 quarter.
The report says this spending nearly offsets the loss of international visitors, who spent $36 million in the district in the September 2019 quarter.
South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive
Wendy Smith is not surprised.
‘‘The majority of operators we have spoken to have been thrilled with the support from locals and from wider New Zealand and encouraged the visitors to keep on coming and experience the legendary Mackenzie,’’ Smith said.
The report also notes that international visitors spent $78m in Mackenzie in the December 2019 quarter and warns ‘‘their absence will become particularly apparent in the summer, with the domestic tourism surge unable to close the gap.’’
The report also says the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit in Mackenzie has continued to rise from a low base rate, with an average of 59 people on Jobseeker in the past 12 months, compared with 30.5 in the 12 months prior.
Unemployment, while up by 0.9 per cent over the last year, is still low at 1.5 per cent, compared to the national average of 4.4 per cent.
Smith said businesses in Mackenzie are struggling to fill roles that have been filled by internationals in the past.
When Bruce Allan opened an email saying he was in the running for New Zealand Local Hero of the Year, he thought it was spam.
The 70-year-old was one of 100 Kiwis, and the only South Cantabrian, to be named a Kiwibank Local Hero medallist by the New Zealand Awards Office on Wednesday – recognising the 40 years Allan has devoted to protecting and caring for the environment, namely Peel Forest.
‘‘I’ve got no intention of retiring from this work,’’ Allan said. ‘‘I feel very honoured and privileged to be nominated by goodness knows who.’’
The medallists will advance to semifinal and final judging before one is crowned Local Hero of the Year (Te Pou Toko o te Tau) at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards (Nga¯ Tohu Pou Ko¯hure o Aotearoa) gala event in Auckland on March 18.
Allan celebrated his birthday the day the medallists were announced, so he couldn’t help reading the congratulatory email with scepticism.
‘‘I thought it was a spam email but apparently, it’s not. I guess it was just a coincidence,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s very humbling. I just do what I love doing.’’
Allan, who received a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in tussock grassland ecology from Lincoln University, Christchurch, in 1984, said his focus was ‘‘enhancing’’ the environment and ‘‘making a difference in young people’s lives’’.
After about 20 years employed as a scientist at Agricultural Research, Allan poured his skills into contract and volunteer work at Peel Forest – describing its 700 hectares of native bush as ‘‘the jewel of South Canterbury’’.
‘‘We work alongside DOC because their budget is stretched,’’ Allan said.
As a Peel Forest Outdoor Centre trustee and chairman, Allan had played an integral part in developing the centre and providing thousands of Kiwis with outdoor and environmental programmes.
He had also been a volunteer firefighter, science adviser to the Rangitata Landcare Group and Mackenzie Guardians, and committee member of Project Peel, Timpson Peel Forest Community Trust, Peel Forest Hall, and the Orari River Protection Group.