Waipā rising up to the ‘Mighty Local’ challenge
Waipā residents are stepping up to support their ‘Mighty Locals’ as the district rallies around businesses hit hard by Covid-19 restrictions.
Mighty Local is a collaboration between Hamilton & Waikato Tourism and regional economic development agency Te Waka. The campaign is pushing the ‘buy local’ message, with support from Waipā District Council.
The website mightylocal.co.nz lists Waikato food and beverage, hospitality, retail and service-related businesses customers can purchase from, including a range of Waipā businesses.
It also features recipes from local chefs, profiles virtual tours from local attractions and shares the stories of businesses and how they are adapting to the changes and their plans for recovery.
In the Waipā district, there are countless stories of businesses finding new ways to trade with customers through contactless delivery and pickup services.
Cambridge caterers Gourmet Delicious launched a new website during the nationwide lockdown delivering heat and eat meals, care packages, baked goods and pantry staples.
Director Ali Foers said the online deliveries have made a significant difference to Waipā residents over the age of 70 who have been unable to leave their houses.
Across the other side of the district, Expleo owners Shawn and Nells Nicholas are adapting to change – and putting a smile on people’s faces in the process.
The Te Awamutu butchery has given away more than 50 free meat packages to families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside offering contactless deliveries. And their kindness is contagious.
"We’ve had businesses and individuals donate, community members add groceries to our packages and support from Kainga Aroha Community House and Pak'n'Save Te Awamutu."
“The backing from the Waipā community has been overwhelming. Please keep supporting local businesses, as this is definitely going to help boost our local economy going forward.”
Waipā District Council economic development manager Steve Tritt said embracing change was essential for businesses to draw in customers in these uncertain times.
“There are many amazing examples of businesses who have demonstrated innovation and resilience. It’s fantastic to see so many business owners rise to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and find new ways of operating and supporting each other.”
Tritt said all businesses require support from the Waipā community to get through this tough time and generate cash flow.
“I urge residents to find ways to shop, support and explore Waipā as we recover from the lockdown. Whether it’s shopping local, spreading the news of a great businesses via word of mouth, or jumping online and giving a good review of a business, there are so many ways to help.”
For more information and stories about Waikato food and beverage, entertainment, retail and service-related businesses visit mightylocal.co.nz.