Key Takeaways
- The Mauao landslide has had a significant impact on local businesses, with many struggling to stay afloat due to reduced customer numbers and cash flow.
- Business owners are calling on the Government and Tauranga City Council to provide support, including wage subsidies and rent relief, to help them recover from the disaster.
- The community is rallying around the affected businesses, with customers showing their support by visiting the reopened cafes and restaurants.
- The landslide has not only affected the local economy but also the community’s emotional well-being, with many residents feeling a sense of loss and grief.
- The reopening of cafes and restaurants is seen as a positive step towards recovery, with business owners and customers alike finding comfort in the familiar routines and social connections.
Introduction to the Crisis
The recent Mauao landslide has had a devastating impact on the local community, with many businesses struggling to cope with the aftermath. The area, as far as Adams Ave, has now been opened to pedestrians, but business owners are warning that it’s not a return to normal. Coffee Club Mount Maunganui owner Janet Kim stated that reopening would be limited, with the business facing significant costs and reduced customer numbers. Kim estimated that her business lost $50,000-60,000 during the period, which is typically the busiest time of the year. The loss of income has put a strain on the business, with Kim expressing concerns about the ability to survive.
The Struggle to Stay Afloat
The financial struggles faced by local businesses are not unique to Coffee Club Mount Maunganui. Beach Hut Cafe and Lital Cafe owner Michelle Richardson also reported a significant decline in sales, with her suppliers also feeling the impact. Richardson emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, not just for the sake of the businesses themselves but also for the suppliers and staff who rely on them. She encouraged the community to keep the Marine Parade cafes going, as this would have a positive ripple effect on the local economy. Richardson’s concerns are echoed by other business owners, who are struggling to make ends meet and are seeking support from the Government and Tauranga City Council.
Community Support and Resilience
Despite the challenges, the community is showing remarkable resilience and support for the affected businesses. Mount Break Cafe owner Jana Puri reported that regular customers were hugging each other when they reunited at her cafe, which has become a local gathering spot. Puri expressed her gratitude for the business community’s support and solidarity, which has helped to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty. Regular customer Graeme Sterne, who meets his friends at Mount Break every morning, said that the cafe’s reopening felt like a "shaft of light" after the darkness of the tragedy. The community’s response to the crisis has been heartening, with many residents recognizing the importance of supporting local businesses and each other.
The Emotional Toll
The Mauao landslide has not only had a significant economic impact but also an emotional one. The community is still coming to terms with the loss of life and the damage to the iconic landmark. Sterne described Mauao as "the heart of things here" and a "taonga" (treasure), emphasizing the deep emotional connection that many residents have with the mountain. The tragedy has left a sense of grief and loss, with many residents struggling to process their emotions. The reopening of cafes and restaurants is seen as a positive step towards recovery, providing a sense of normalcy and comfort in a time of uncertainty.
The Road to Recovery
As the community begins to rebuild and recover, business owners are calling on the Government and Tauranga City Council to provide support. Kim and Richardson are advocating for wage subsidies and rent relief, similar to the relief provided during the Covid-19 pandemic. The community is also rallying around the affected businesses, with customers showing their support by visiting the reopened cafes and restaurants. While the road to recovery will be long and challenging, the community’s resilience and solidarity provide a sense of hope and optimism for the future. By supporting local businesses and each other, the community can work towards healing and rebuilding, both economically and emotionally.
