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Kaikoura businesses struggle post-quake

Author
Chelsea Daniels,
Publish Date
Tue, 20 Dec 2016, 6:19AM
The blocking of State Highway 1 has affected access in and out of the town
The blocking of State Highway 1 has affected access in and out of the town

Kaikoura businesses struggle post-quake

Author
Chelsea Daniels,
Publish Date
Tue, 20 Dec 2016, 6:19AM

If you visit a business in Kaikoura now, you might be welcomed with a big hug.

That's because they haven't seen any new faces for more than a month, with businesses suffering from an absence of tourists since the 7.8 magnitude quake.

Although Kaikoura welcomes more tourists after roads in and out of the town open this week, it doesn't help businesses who need to be out on the water.

Whale Watch Kaikoura has gone from around 800 customers a day down to zero.

Last month's earthquake lifted the seabed around the coast around a metre.

The government is planning to repair the problem, along with the roads in and out of the town.

Whale Watch Kaikoura manager Kauahi Ngapora said the news of funding being provided to repair the marina was a breath of fresh air.

He said at this point in time they still don't have any clarity on when that work is going to start - and when it does it'll take up to six months.

"The fabric of what made Kaikoura a world class eco-tourism destination is still there, its just the means of us getting out there has changed so we just need to get that sorted."

He said they're getting an existing trailer modified to be able to transfer travellers on to boats without getting too close to shore - but it'll still be months before they're able to use it.

Meanwhile, hostels in Kaikoura are seeing their first customers in more than a month.

Sunrise Lodge manager Tim Golden said from November onwards, they're usually full.

He said usually they average 35 dollars a bed, with 36 beds on offer , but have only just welcomed its first two customers since the quake, so they're down a lot this season.

Although the infrastructure hasn't been affected too badly, Golden said they've lost customers due to the hostel relying solely on tourists.

"In the town where we are, everything's been pretty good other than the fact that because 100% of our customers are tourists, we haven't had any customers" he said.

Clothing store Abbey Road also welcomed its first customers in a month, with Sales assistant Amanda Broadhurst excited to see some new faces.

She said tourists are all wanting to come in and spend money - supporting local businesses.

Broadhurst said Abbey Road was a part of a local 'shopping day' - encouraging residents to do their Christmas shopping in town to be in the running for a prize.

She said it's just one example of how the town's supported each other.

"Everyone that brought something on the Saturday went into win a big prize hamper that all the shops have donated in west end."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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