Key Takeaways
- The Mount Maunganui business community is feeling the impact of the recent landslide, with reduced visitor numbers and ongoing uncertainty.
- Mount Mainstreet is working closely with local authorities and businesses to support affected employees and encourage visitors to return to the area.
- The community is coming together to provide support, with hospitality operators preparing meals for emergency workers and responders.
- Upcoming events, such as the Fisher concert at Bay Oval, could help restore confidence and foot traffic if managed sensitively.
- The city is working to balance the need to support local businesses with the need to respect the community’s grief and healing process.
Introduction to the Crisis
The recent landslide in Mount Maunganui has had a significant impact on the local business community, with many owners and employees feeling the effects of reduced visitor numbers and ongoing uncertainty. According to Mount Mainstreet chairwoman Jo Veale, fewer than 20 businesses are directly inside the cordon, but up to 30 are affected in the wider northern Mount area. These businesses include hotels, cafes, restaurants, and office-based businesses, which are all crucial to the local economy. Veale emphasized that the concern for staff is a major priority, as many businesses are thinking about how they can support employees who live week to week if this disruption continues.
Supporting Local Businesses
Mount Mainstreet has set up a temporary office in the He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre to provide support to affected businesses. Veale said that business owners appreciated hearing directly from the mayor about recovery efforts and next steps, and that the mayor was very clear and articulate about what’s happening on the ground and what the next week could look like. The organization is working closely with Tourism Bay of Plenty to encourage cruise passengers to remain in the Mount and spend time on Mount Main Street, with messaging focused on welcoming visitors while acknowledging the city’s grief. Veale noted that the city has an obligation to show manaakitanga to visitors, while also respecting the community’s grief.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of the landslide is already being felt, with foot traffic data showing a decline of up to 13.7% on some days. Veale said that for January, this is significant, as it’s the peak season and what happens now affects the ability to get through winter. Her own accommodation business, Mount Backpackers, has experienced cancellations of around 30%, which is a sharp contrast to a period that is normally fully booked. Veale emphasized that people are unsure about what’s happening in the area, and that this uncertainty is having
