R E G I O N A L FOCUS GRAHAM BELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRANSWORLD INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS CHESS MOVINGS PERTH OPERATION GENERAL MANAGER JONATHAN ROBERTS goods, computers etc yet movers couldnt deliver them to clients languishing in an empty house. When conditions were relaxed, Transworld had to grapple with a huge backlog of deliveries. It also had to service export clients amid changes and delays to house-settlement dates and flight schedules. We had to have a plan A, B, C and D, says Bell. With borders closed, Transworld shifted its business plan towards domestic removals. Many Kiwis were re-evaluating their lifestyle after the first lockdown, says Bell. This resulted in a housing boom and significant increase in the domestic market. While New Zealand enjoyed a pretty much COVIDfree spell from October 2020 to February 2021, it became a destination country for refugees fleeing the pandemic elsewhere if, that is, they could get a slot in MIQ, the countrys quarantine facility. But, says Bell, over time, MIQ became a lottery system. Demand far outweighed the number of slots, leaving thousands stranded overseas. From February 2021, new COVID variants stifled New Zealands economic revival. The country bounced in and out of lockdowns because of poor planning within the health system. Higher-risk groups remained unvaccinated, says Bell. With regions experiencing different levels of restriction, people required government letters authorising travel, and faced police checkpoints en route. The rules were still putting severe pressure on workforces around the country, he adds. Transworld has shared the same problems as Van Lines with shipping. Lines reduced services or cut them out completely, says Bell. They no longer wished to tender for contracts, leaving options for only spot rates on some services. Not only were customers waiting months for their goods, but there were also significant increases in the rates. These are still rising. Australia sailings have now become more frequent and secure, Europe is manageable, but the US and South Africa remain limited. New Zealands worst flu season in years, along with Omicron and its variants, continues to put the workforce and economy under strain. Bell reports a desperate skills shortage, and says the governments drive to create a higher-skilled workforce is inhibiting recruitment of drivers and packers. With the lowest unemployment rates ever seen, the pool is small and demand high, pushing up wage rates beyond the skill level. The full reopening of borders in July this year has been a tonic for Transworld as enquiries pick up. Were excited about finally being reconnected with the rest of the world, says Bell. New Zealanders are on the move because of how the government managed COVID, along with the financial pressures they face. Wages and work opportunities are more favourable overseas. In particular, we believe Australia will be a destination market again. Everyone has been impacted by global events. The cost of doing business is still rocketing, with diesel, services and supply chain demands. In the end, the fact that weve been successful through challenging times is down to only one thing our great staff. Mark Pitcher says his companies have seen a boom in business after a stressful initial period of lockdown 52 FF307 September-November 22 pp46-53 Regional Focus.indd 52 WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 06/09/2022 07:42