Kiwi businesses making a difference during COVID-19 lockdown

Paul Knight (left) has committed 50 percent of labour costs to Woman's Refuge should clients want to pay half their bill while Eat My Lunch will continue to feed 2000 children around New Zealand with help from Foodstuffs.
Paul Knight (left) has committed 50 percent of labour costs to Woman's Refuge should clients want to pay half their bill while Eat My Lunch will continue to feed 2000 children around New Zealand with help from Foodstuffs. Photo credit: Supplied

Despite challenging times around the country, Kiwi businesses are doing what they can to help others in need. 

In Tauranga, a small business owner is being praised for giving clients the option to reduce the bill or make a donation to charity during the nationwide lockdown. 

Paul Knight, director of Pipe Masters Plumbing, Gas and Drainage, told Newshub as an essential service still operating, it felt like the right thing to do. 

"It's a tough time for a lot of Kiwis out there at the moment and so we want to do our bit to help," he said. 

The company is slashing the rate it charges for labour by 50 percent in a bid to take some strain off people who are really struggling as the country tries to tackle COVID-19. 

If clients are willing to pay full price, Pipe Masters will donate the other 50 percent to Woman's Refuge. 

As the business attends to a lot of emergency call-outs, like blocked sewers, burst hot water cylinders and water mains, Knight said there's a temptation to "charge like a wounded bull" but the sense to do some good is stronger. 

"The more people that change their mindset from 'how can I do good for me' to 'how can I help people' the better off the community is. That's the message we'd love for others to pick up as well." 

He's calling on other businesses to also do their part, as Kiwis grapple with the loss of income and financial stress during the four-week alert level 4 lockdown, meaning schools and non-essential stores are closed while residents are instructed to stay at home. 

  • Are you a Kiwi business making a difference to the community? Email fionaconnor@mediaworks.co.nz 

Knight isn't alone in his dedication to make a difference. Eat My Lunch founder Lisa King has announced a new programme to ensure hungry school children are still fed during lockdown. 

Starting this week, Eat My Lunch will deliver food packs, containing ingredients for lunches to the 2000 kids who benefit from the service across Auckland and Wellington. 

Foodstuffs North Island has pledged a $100,000 initial contribution to help fund the GIVE food packs with a Givealittle page launched for others to be a part of the campaign. 

"Although this is a difficult time for many New Zealanders, we also know how much they care about those less fortunate in our community. The Givealittle campaign is an opportunity for them to contribute in a meaningful way," King says. 

National food rescue charity KiwiHarvest is also committed to helping and will be able to meet higher demand for food parcels afte their supply chain was impacted by the closure of restaurants and cafes. 

HelloFresh has offered a cash injection of $35,000 to reach low income areas who are relying on assistance to feed families. 

The company's CEO Tom Rutledge hopes the donation will not only help deliver meals to those in need but act as a reminder for Kiwis to be conscious of the difficulties some will face accessing basic needs. 

"We can only imagine the impact this environment is having on those already struggling in our communities."