Napier CBD New Zealand – Cyclone Gabrielle

7 days on from the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle.

We hear many from outside the region really dont know what we are going through, so here’s a quick summary of the Napier CBD.

Hawkes Bay has only just been connected with power and communications since the cyclone began, so we are still trying to understand the impact. Some are still to be connected. The power stations were also flooded with water. 

The CBD itself was not affected by the cyclone. Thank goodness. However, family homes and properties have been decimated.  

Things we know:

• 50% of our membership is retail. More on our organisation and who we support at www.napiercbd.co.nz. Our website is not currently active, so I am looking into this also.
• We support 450 members within our membership who employ 2000+ staff.
• A very large percentage of our retail is locally owned and operated.
• State Highways roads (North and East) in and out of Hawkes Bay are closed and will be for some weeks/months. South highways are open.
• The death toll is rising.
• There are still 1000s of humans and pets unaccounted for
• The main roads between Hastings and Napier are open now however should only be used for emergency services.
• Access Bridges broken – split in half
• Until power was reactivated – Many CBD businesses were not secure. They had automatic doors. Police and Security have been marvellous.
• Looting is a huge problem, as is a crime. 
• Anxiety levels are extremely high.
• Our civil defense teams and council are doing a remarkable job and feel the effects now. Remembering they are humans too and have families as well.
• Large contingents of army and police have been seconded to our region.
• Primary industries are hugely impacted. Horticulture and Agriculture are hugely affected – There will be no fruit season this year!
• Tourism has been affected – this time of year is HB time to make hay during the sunshine. Art Deco concert cancelled for the 3rd year in a row. Cruise ships cancelled until our beautiful city can accommodate them. Mission concert likey cancelled; however, yet to be. Horse of the year postponed or likely cancelled. Valentine’s day is big for retail and hospitality.
• Huge stock loss due to the flood affected, store-decaying food, drinks, and flowers.
• Hospo is joining together and cooking up a storm using food that cannot be sold but is still safe to eat and feeding the masses for free!
• Hundreds of heartwarming stories of community togetherness rallying together and supporting each other.

Long-term effects that will affect Retailers/Hospitality:

• Adequate staffing of businesses – It was also very tough before the cyclone. I realise this is a national/global problem.
• Paying staff during the cyclone and beyond. Wages for staff that are unable to get to work due to long-term road closures.
• Security of business from crime/looting. We have already had issues with ram raids and burglaries.
• Freight of new stock in and out of the region.
• Visitors/tourists are returning to the region.
• The mental health of business owners and employees.

Today

Sunday and beyond.

Please help us keep our economy going. To those businesses that can open, please do. To those people that can access shopping and purchase goods from businesses please do. To those that can help bring some sort of normality back into our lives after the devastating week we’ve had, please do.
If you are willing and able to volunteer to help with the recovery, please register your details with manager@volunteeringhb.org.nz
Our hearts and love are with families and friends who have lost or displaced family members, pets, and friends.

A message for New Zealanders and international friends- if you are shopping online, please look to Hawke’s Bay to make your purchases. Freight might be delayed, but your help and support in our economy would greatly boost all of our dearly loved locally-owned and operated businesses and national brands.

Take care out here.

Pip Thompson

General Manager

Napier City Business Inc

pip@napiercbd.co.nz

021 051 5427