The move to Alert Level 3 for Auckland is a welcome relief for many of our members, but it still means restricted trade and we would like to see the move to Alert Level 2 happen as soon as possible.

I want to thank you for the many sacrifices you have made during lockdown, I hear daily about the pressure it is placing member businesses under, but the move to Level 3 shows you have complied with the Government guidelines, and we are pushing to make sure this is recognised and additional support is made available for Auckland businesses. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be keeping a close eye on what happens at the regional borders so the supply chain out of Auckland flows smoothly. This is something that impacts the entire country, and I am part of a joint industry/government border forum with Alan McDonald our Head of Advocacy and Strategy. We are keen to hear your experiences so please let us know, good and bad.

As an essential business, some of our staff may be returning to the office this week where circumstances at home make it difficult to work, and we have put in place all the necessary measures to keep them safe. I will be reminding staff to remain vigilant, so we do our part to get back to Level 2.     

Kia kaha
Brett O’Riley – September 2021