Resilience reigns

Published: 7 August 2023

Last Updated: 10 August 2023

The Napier City Council-commissioned survey asked questions of just over 400 businesses on how Cyclone Gabrielle had impacted their operations, to understand how Council could best support their recovery.

Although 73% reported a negative impact on their operations from the cyclone, 43% expected to return to pre-cyclone trading levels within six months, and 25% anticipated trading at even higher levels. Around 14% of businesses reported a positive impact following the cyclone.

The survey identified a high rate of business retention, with 83% of Napier businesses foreseeing continued operation in the city for the next five years.

Napier City Council’s Economic Development Manager, Bill Roberts, says Council is focused on doing everything possible to support businesses in their recovery.

“We’re continuing to promote and support business events run by either Council or other organisations. We’re also supporting business training and development organisations to upskill our city’s small businesses,” says Bill.

Councillor Sally Crown, who holds Council’s Economic Development portfolio, says Council has focused on what businesses want.

“It’s encouraging to see that what we’ve focused on post-cyclone matches what our business community noted in their responses, which is more contact between Council and local business, better communication and relationship building.”

“We recognise that some sectors, such as hospitality and retail, are doing it tough, in part due to the cost of living and other macro-economic factors. Both Council’s strategic projects and those led by the private sector that are in progress or due to start soon should bring relief in the form of vibrancy, spend and activity,” says Councillor Crown.

“Overall, the results of the survey show that, although negative impacts were widespread and expected, it really is a tale of business resilience during difficult trading conditions. Napier businesses have shown they can keep going in difficult situations,” says Bill.

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