Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Rotorua businesses weathering the storm

Several Rotorua businesses are trying a proactive approach to lockdown while also bracing themselves in case of an extension.

It comes after it was revealed there were seven Covid-19 cases in the community following the discovery of the first yesterday, a man from Devonport, Auckland.

The Rotorua Daily Post spoke to business owners about whether or not this lockdown felt different and asked what they were doing to plan for the future.

Springfield Superette owner Raj Kumar was behind his shop's counter when he spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post.

"Everybody has been understanding and responsible for the most part," the Rotorua Lakes councillor said.

Kumar said only a couple of people had entered his shop without masks.

"We are reminding them to think about the safety of others and that the Delta variant makes this lockdown different."

Rotorua Lakes councillor Raj Kumar. Photo / File

Under level 4, supermarkets, dairies, pharmacies and food banks will remain open as essential services.

Kumar said he and his employees were being careful and vigilant.

"We are here for the community, for essential workers. There are a lot of people stopping in for supplies and refuelling.

"It's important to be respectful of others and their spaces and to be patient."

Kumar thought people were behaving differently in response to this lockdown.

"There was not as much panic. I think people are being a bit more careful, not rushing. But this might change after three days."

El Mexicano Zapata Express owner Eduardo Diaz. Photo / File

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme would be available for businesses impacted by the lockdown.

The subsidy allows eligible employers to apply for support if they expect a loss of 40 per cent of revenue as a result of the alert level increase.

Meanwhile, El Mexicano Zapata Express owner Eduardo Diaz said he was focusing on the positives.

"This is the thing about business, you have to be prepared," said Diaz.

"Of course, it's always a loss. We've been doing well. We've been busy. So we've been prepping a lot of food. A lot of that will need to be thrown out.

"But I have my health. I can pay wages. I have a home. So I am quite happy."

Diaz said he was going to be helping members of the community who needed it. He planned to make contactless food deliveries and to be a listening ear for those he knew were confused and worried.

"Anything I can do for people I do it with my whole heart."

The first thing Diaz needed to do was stock up his own pantry.

"That's the thing about having a restaurant. You don't keep food at home."

Diaz said he did not plan to apply for a government wage subsidy at present.

"If I don't need it, I'm not going to use it."

Markets Twelve 21 business development executive Julia Haira. Photo / File

Markets Twelve 21 business development executive Julia Haira said her focus was on supporting the 23 business owners who had opened shop a few weeks ago.

"Some have been relieved, some have been panicking. I was up until almost midnight last night on the phone. But we've all talked through it," Haira said

She has been advising market stallholders to use the time to plan for the future.

"Online promotions is definitely a big area of focus."

Haira said she was encouraging the businesses to promote each other on social media.

"The way I look at it, there's solutions everywhere. People never became successful because they lay down and took it."

Haira has also posted information about the financial support available for businesses on Markets Twelve 21's Facebook page.

Rotorua Canopy Tours general manager Paul Button. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua Canopy Tours general manager Paul Button said his team were "adjusting" to the news of another lockdown.

"Any day without revenue is a tough day," Button said.

Button said he felt the team were more prepared for a lockdown now than they had been in early 2020.

"Our strategy does not change. We're good at going hard and we're going to ride this storm. We just have to look after our people."

Pig and Whistle Historic Pub and Capers Epicurean owner Gregg Brown. Photo / File

Pig and Whistle Historic Pub and Capers Epicurean owner Gregg Brown said he felt his business was in a "better position to weather the storm" this time.

"But that depends on how long the storm lasts and the financial support the Government offers," Brown said.

"We've had a good stretch [since the last lockdown]. I think we've got better at it every time we lock down."

Rotorua Economic Development chief executive Andrew Wilson. Photo / File

Rotorua Economic Development chief executive Andrew Wilson said the best response for the local economy was a health response.

"While we understand the myriad of challenges that come with a lockdown, we also know the people of Rotorua are agile, resilient and realistic.

"Many businesses are pleased with the decision to move quickly.

"We do not downplay the devastating impact Covid can inflict on our local economy, but it's more important now than ever to be kind, be safe and seek out the correct information and support that is available."