Mayor urges residents to support local businesses
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 7th April 2022
People need to get out and support local shops, cafes, restaurants and bars if they want them to survive, says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
“Our retail and hospitality businesses have gone through an extremely difficult two years and many are now struggling to keep their doors open. They desperately need our support so I really encourage people to make the effort to eat, play and shop locally across Christchurch," the Mayor said.
“Many of the businesses that are hurting are small businesses owned by locals in our community. They are the businesses that add vibrancy and character to our city and it is really important for our community and our economy that they stay open, so please get out and support them."
Today Christchurch City Council agreed that it would allocate up to $1.45 million over the six months to subsidise the Council costs that businesses face.
“It is a quick, simply way that we can reduce the costs for businesses and show our support for them," the Mayor said.
“We are also working with ChristchurchNZ and groups like the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and the Central City Business Association on ways we can encourage people to get out and spending money in local businesses, particularly those in the central city.
“The central city has gone through a particularly tough time as many workers who would normally be in town, spending money in lunch breaks and after work, have been working from home. We need to get more people into the central city so that we can give businesses that are struggling hope and confidence that better times are coming.
“A number of ideas for how we do this are being worked on, including the possibility of offering Christchurch residents free tram rides. As plans are finalised, we will release more details. In the meantime, we have two long weekends coming up this month. If you’re staying in Christchurch for Easter and Anzac weekends, please make an effort to get out and support a local business," Mayor Dalziel said.
Annabel Turley from the Central City Business Association told the Council that foot traffic has dropped significantly in the central city and businesses need a boost.
“We want to collaborate with Christchurch City Council to stimulate foot traffic and trade in the central city. If we work collaboratively, we can create the best outcomes in the current environment to prevent further business closures," Ms Turley said during her deputation.
Peter Morrison is the president of the Canterbury branch of Hospitality NZ. He also addressed the Council about its proposals for supporting local businesses, saying it was vital the Council stepped in and helped.
“This will be the saviour for us," Mr Morrison said.