Source: Radio New Zealand
Six people died after a section of the maunga collapsed into a campground. Nick Monro
The head of a Mount Maunganui business association says local shops are trying to return to normal after the fatal Mauao landslide.
Six people died after a section of the maunga collapsed into a campground.
Mount Mainstreet manager Jay Banner told Morning Report locals had been grieving, but businesses needed the Mount to return to its usual vibrancy.
“We had a couple great events over the weekend with the Fisher concert, and it was great to see some joy being brought back into the town and boosting the moral of our locals.”
“We are looking for the community to get in behind and support local businesses, for people that are outside of town, you know, come have a weekend here, support local cafes and our hospitality sector, our retailers and help us move forward.”
Banner also acknowledged the cruise ship schedule provided some relief, but said summer was a time where hospitality and retail businesses made most of their money.
“To not be able to trade through this period had significant finical implications, not just for the immediate, but their plans for how they get through winter.”
He said the business association was looking into running events to “drag in a little bit of foot traffic”.
“We would love you all to come back into the Mount, we would welcome you with open arms,” he said.
“Many people have been reaching out to me and asking what they can do to support and that really is the way that you can support our local community, it keeps people employed it keeps businesses open.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
