Like many business owners, I was keen to hear the prime minister’s announcement on Monday about when Auckland’s level 3 status would change. Partly because I had $10 in the office pool on a one-week extension with travel restrictions to remain, but mostly because limiting the way businesses operate has a financial impact on their employees and owners.
Coming as it did on the heels of a lunchtime tally of nine new covid-19 cases, the four-day extension didn’t come as much of a surprise.
What got my attention was the reaction of the first commentator I heard on the radio responding to the news.
Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett is a media regular. His gravelly, loveable old-man voice and willingness to pick up the phone makes him what we call in the trade 'good talent'.
His take: “businesses and small to medium businesses in particular are going to carry the burden for the team of five million.”
Now, it’s arguable that the families of the people who died last time round, the 1,600 or so who caught the virus or the people right now in ICU with hoses down their throats are carrying something of a burden too, but I get where he’s coming from.
What I don’t get is what he didn’t say next.
“And we’re proud to be doing our part for New Zealand.”
Instead, he went on to hammer the government for not giving the interests of business owners enough priority. One cracker – before I switched stations – was that the wage subsidy was good for employees, but it didn’t help businesses.
Sentiment matters?
Business journalists, and the banks who constantly survey it, would have us believe that business confidence matters. They might be right. And if they are, business leaders and media have an opportunity to tell positive stories alongside the negative. That’s the thing about thought leadership; it leads thought.
The radio station I heard Barnett on, for example, made the choice to lead with his reaction to the level 3 extension. It could equally have chosen one of the many businesses who are putting their customers and staff first by rising to the challenges this pandemic delivers.
Businesses like Parisian Ties – a 105-year-old factory at the top of Myers Park making ties since 1919 and swanky masks since two weeks ago. Or the Ironclad Pan Co, keeping a foundry in West Auckland busy casting top quality fry pans for New Zealanders returning to home cooking. Or FED, or Foodbox, or My Food Bag, or WOOP, all ramping up production, hiring new staff and delivering more meals to hungry customers. Or the local restaurants like Hello Beasty and others who’ve worked out how to deliver the same magic via delivery that they do in house. Or the builders and plumbers and electricians who are out there in their masks doing what needs doing.
There are plenty of positive stories to sit alongside the usual negative voices who speak for “business.”
But back to what Barnett didn’t say.
What if he’d spoken out for the business owners who are doing it tough but accept the need, and take pride in doing their part to keep us all safe?
Businesses have plenty to be proud about right now.
A bar or restaurant owner does far more good for the country by remaining closed, or switching to delivery, than one Ponsonby Road dog-walker in a mask ever could. I’m grateful to everyone one of them, and the sacrifices they’re making. Those who bear Barnett’s burden with good grace and optimism will have my support forever.
Vaughn Davis is founder of ad agency The Goat Farm