SPRING EDITORIAL 2020

Much is being said currently about “buying local” and “supporting local businesses”. Like most of these initiatives whilst in theory it looks like a fabulous idea, particularly in a post covid world where we currently remain isolated from the rest of the world, the reality depends on how deep you go.

Buy local may be a simple slogan, but in reality it is anything but. At the core of the concept is that we as consumers have immense power every time we spend our money. But with power comes responsibility and consequences. Spend that money with locally owned and operated businesses and more of your money stays in the local economy.

Recently we were made aware of the plight of the New Zealand potato growers who are facing competition from cheap imported product. Supporting the local fish n chip shop is of course a great way to support a local business who employs local people however what if the said fish n chip shop is using cheap imported fries to serve you rather than those made from New Zealand grown potatoes?

An acquaintance I went through University with is now a Southland sheep farmer also working with ASB bank. Recently I saw a Facebook post from him calling on New Zealanders to support New Zealand wool. In particular, he was challenging corporate New Zealand (and his employer ASB) to look at ways to support New Zealand wool. For example, rather than give away cheap synthetic beanies to customers for promotional purposes to in fact choose a hat made from NZ wool. What about the carpets used in all the offices, banks, retail outlets etc… throughout the country – this could in fact be New Zealand wool rather than cheaper synthetic product.

So I guess the challenge for us all is to look a bit deeper. This would obviously be greatly helped if in fact we had country of origin labelling – surely at a time like we are facing now providing this information to New Zealand consumers would benefit the whole economy.

Obviously we have all had a lot to think about as this year has evolved and whilst there are many in the country who are solely focused on trying to provide a roof over their heads, food for their families and who we deeply feel for their circumstances. For those of us more fortunate perhaps we should in fact be looking at the opportunities to truly buy and support local and in doing so maybe create jobs and opportunities for the economy and New Zealand.