One of the really upsetting aspects of life at the height of Covid-19 restrictions was the total dominance of supermarkets.
The Government’s stance is understandable: by making supermarkets our one source of food and supplies, it was much easier to manage hygiene and monitor behaviour in regards to the pandemic.
But for those of us who are suspicious of big business and the ethics of giant operations like Australian-owned Countdown, it was all a bit of a shock. We saw very quickly during the shutdown that foreign-owned businesses don’t have any compassion when it comes to their New Zealand tributaries.
The closure of German-owned Bauer Media was one shocking example of just how cavalier multinationals are towards tiny island nations. A Kiwi-owned business will always give it their best shot, because there are more than just dollar signs in their eyes.
Since restrictions have been lifted, there’s been a demonstrable increase in support for shopping small and local, however, which is both heartening and understandable. Small and medium-sized businesses may not be able to get the bulk-buying incentives the supermarkets can demand of their suppliers, but customers know what they’re getting, where it’s coming from and that by supporting them they’re keeping someone in a job.
Ponsonby is sometimes characterised as a suburb full of poncey, overpriced stores and eating establishments, so it’s been interesting to see just how community-oriented it really is in responding to the recent crisis. In reality, Ponsonby and its inner-suburbia neighbours constitute a world-class community of sophisticated, artisanal minded, creative and entrepreneurial individuals.
For a vegetarian or vegan, taking a ‘buy local, support small business’ approach makes total sense. Think about it: a foreign-owned chain, in supplying goods, is only ever serving a perceived demand. It’s all about numbers. The idea that they actually care about their customers is a nonsense.
We’ve seen this in spades through the restrictions. While the frontline of supermarket staff is to be commended for putting themselves at risk during the various restriction levels, the cost of groceries has skyrocketed.
It’s a cynical business indeed that will take advantage of what is a very stressful, financially vulnerable time for many by eliminating the usual specials that keep food on the table for many families.
Supporting New Zealand-owned businesses makes sense for so many reasons, but especially right now. The pandemic has been a great prompt for me to, wherever possible, buy my supplies from independent, local stores. Will the expense kill me?
Well, fruit and veggies are generally cheaper and better quality from a dedicated outlet, and buying from a business like The Vegan Shop or eating at a vegan-oriented cafe, you’re feeding back into something worthwhile, not just putting money into anonymous shareholders’ pockets. (GARY STEEL)
Gary Steel is an Auckland-based journalist who runs entertainment site for grownups, www.witchdoctor.co.nz. He can be contacted via beautmusic@gmail.com