Nearly half of Napier households income decreased during Covid-19 lockdown

Almost half of Napier residents reported their household income decreased during Covid-19. Photo / Warren Buckland

Almost half of Napier residents reported their household income had gone down during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a survey of 800 Napier residents conducted by SIL Research during alert level 3, 44 per cent reported their household income had decreased slightly or a lot, while 6 per cent lost their income completely.

A total of 8 per cent surveyed said their household income had increased, while 41 per cent reported no change at all.

Over half (57 per cent) said Covid-19 had an overall negative impact on them or their family, with most mentioning their financial situation.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said the report, commissioned by Napier City Council, provides useful insights into how the Napier community is feeling about the pandemic.

"The more we as a council can know about the pandemic's positive and negative impacts and expectations about post-pandemic life in Napier, the more we can appropriately plan for our recovery over the next 12 to 18 months," she said.

One Napier resident said: "Covid-19 made our family re-evaluate our work life, family situation and really appreciate each other."

Almost a third of residents (31 per cent) said they were concerned about catching the virus, while 69 per cent had general concerns about local businesses closing down.

Another Napier resident said the whole experience encouraged them and their neighbours to look out for one another.

Another added: "It has been an emotional roller coaster. But I will cherish the way almost everyone you walk past smiles and greets each other. There has been some incredible community spirit."

As the country entered alert level 3, 70 per cent of Napier residents looked forward to reconnecting with family and friends, 50 per cent travelling to other parts of New Zealand, and 44 per cent getting back to normal.