Crucial Kaikoura businesses get Government relief

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce spoke to Kaikoura business owners on Tuesday (file)
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce spoke to Kaikoura business owners on Tuesday (file)

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has announced on Tuesday that the Government will support all businesses in the Kaikoura region as part of the business support package last week.

"We are extending that package to include large businesses," he says.

The decision comes after the minister met with larger local businesses to discuss their intial exemption from the business support package.

At least four businesses with more than 20 employees weren't covered by the business package.

Mr Joyce met with the owners of Whale Watch Kaikoura and Encounter Kaikoura on Tuesday. He says the business owners raised concerns over how their businesses would be impacted.

"[They're] worried about two things: how can they physically operate their business with the new coastline the way it is, and when are the people going to come."

Mr Joyce says changes could be made to the Government's relief package to include bigger businesses, but it was too early to confirm that.

Whale Watch Kaikoura's general manager Kauahi Ngapora says he was pleased with Mr Joyce's response.

"The good thing around today's discussion is the Government's willingness to help," he says.

Mr Ngapora says there are a number of things that need to happen to get the community and its businesses back on their feet.

"The first stage is we need to address the issues with our marina.

"We [also] need to get access sorted [and] we also need to have their marketing campaign around telling people Kaikoura is open for business."

Encounter Kaikoura owner Dennis Buurman says his business hasn't been out on the water yet, but early signs suggest the marine life are still alive and well.

"We know Whale Watch have been out and the good thing is there is whale and dolphins glore," he says.

"They're probably wondering where the tourists are!"

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