Kiwis spend big on luxuries
vying for donations in the coming months. St John Ambulance announced this week it would cut 100 jobs to help make up a $30 million deficit. And in March, Outward Bound voiced fears about its survival without income during lockdown as it fended off a $500,000 deficit.
Rochelle Stewart-Allen, head of Hui E! Community Aotearoa, said the broader survey was done because the contribution of the community and volunteer sector had been ‘‘invisible over this lockdown, in a lot of ways’’.
‘‘I think for now people are picking back up but I think once people start to apply for new funding . . . I think we’ll see the impact of that happening next year.’’
Bellyful, a charity which provides meals for families with young children who need support, expects most of its volunteers to return, but donations may be another story.
Although it has only four part-time employees, the charity is anticipating a 30 per cent downturn in income this financial year. ‘‘Which is proving really challenging, as the need is still there,’’ chief executive Charlotte Delahunty said.
She said many charities had lost sponsors ahead of lockdown, and had been unable to hold their normal fundraising events.
Lawyer Steven Moe, who has coauthored a report on how community groups can survive, said there were
115,000 NGOs in the country, and
130,000 people working fulltime for charities.
He predicted more ‘‘desperate’’ fundraising competition could arise between not-for-profits and charities without significant buffers.
If you have been busy kitting out your home after lockdown, you are not alone.
From beds to bathroom renovations, Kiwis are investing the money saved on overseas travel in making their living spaces more luxurious.
Briscoe Group managing director Rod Duke said business at its homewares stores had boomed since coronavirus restrictions had eased.
‘‘All the folks who would traditionally be out of the country in June, July and August have nowhere to go so they’re making home as comfortable as possible,’’ he said.
Chris Taylor, general manager of The Comfort Group, said demand for beds had also spiked after lockdown lifted.
Orders for beds had increased by about 50 per cent, Taylor said.
‘‘People are buying better mattresses, that’s the really obvious change,’’ he said.
Independent economist Tony Alexander said research showed many New Zealanders planned to take money they had saved by not travelling overseas and spend it on home improvements and domestic travel.
He said the splurge was unlikely to last.
‘‘It won’t be sustainable for many people.’’