By
April 30, 2020
Supporting local businesses is more important now than ever before as our economy goes into recovery mode following the Covid-19 lockdown.
Plenty of New Zealand small businesses like cafés, restaurants, bars and hairdressers are suffering as a result of Covid-19 shut-downs. And as a kiwi business wanting to lend a hand to other kiwi businesses, Chorus is keen to help you find ways to support them online, if you’re in the position to.
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Though we’re still not able to dine in at local cafés or get our haircut– there are a few ways you can help local retailers during alert level 3 by simply jumping online. Supporting them now will ensure they’ll be able to continue serving you your flat whites and pad thai once we go back to some normality.
Here are some ways you can get behind local businesses via the internet:
Buy direct
Try and buy direct as much as possible. A number of retailers have adopted click and collect or delivery options in recent weeks so it’s a good idea to check out their websites and have a look at their contactless transaction options in the first instance. Buying direct will ensure that all money goes towards the various outlets and sidesteps the often large fees which are incurred using some delivery companies.
SOS
SOS is a not-for-profit initiative set up to support local businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the SOS website you’re able to buy vouchers now for future visits to eateries, your local hairdresser or other goods and services. This gives those businesses a bit of cashflow now so they can get back on their feet quicker. Once the alert level reduces, you’ll be able to redeem your voucher and get your DIY haircut fixed or finally get yourself a decent eggs bene!
New Zealand made products on Facebook
The New Zealand made products Facebook group was created out of a desire to support New Zealand businesses through this time and after. The group has over 250,000 members and gives local businesses a platform to be able to plug their company. From breweries to arts and crafts – join the group to see some of the cool stuff local businesses are selling.
Eat local NZ
If you’re missing the taste of a restaurant cooked meal, eat local NZ has a range of local restaurants and cafes to choose from. This start-up company is linking up all types of food outlets to customers and is providing jobs to New Zealanders keen to be local drivers. The best thing about this site is they’re charging just a fraction of the delivery fee that some of the larger companies are charging, so this means more money in local pockets.
Pandemic pack
In Wellington, businesses are banding together to create their own collaborative, collective delivery service. Pandemic pack is made up of 15 small Wellington restaurants, cafés and bakeries. Customers can order food from any of the 15 outlets in one collective delivery – so in one order you could have brownies, fried chicken, ice cream and bread! The Pandemic pack team have also written a collaborative cookbook to get you through isolation, so if you’re not based in the capital you can still access some of their recipes.
These are just some of the many new services helping support local businesses during this time. Keep an eye on your favourite retailer’s social media accounts and websites to see how they’re operating in level 3 and let’s try and support our fellow Kiwis as much as possible!