R E G I O N A L FOCUS Transworld was one of the companies facing a large backlog when restrictions were eased MARK PITCHER, OWNER OF NEW ZEALAND VAN LINES, THE MOVING COMPANY NEW ZEALAND AND NEW ZEALAND MOVERS A 12-week state subsidy, covering 80 per cent of the minimum legal hourly wage proved a lifeline as the government worked out which businesses could reopen, and when. But even when New Zealand Van Lines could finally collect containers from port, it couldnt deliver to customers. Some were occupying homes with no furniture, he said. We had to adapt, and that resulted in losing about 15 per cent of our staff. Six weeks elapsed before Pitcher could resume delivering imports and moving services, albeit under tight PPE and social distancing rules. Our market then slowed dramatically through winter, with revenue dropping 30-40 per cent. That made future planning incredibly challenging. Border closures to non-New Zealand citizens had a significant impact on our international business. But as the world adapted, and NZ followed suit, we hadnt forecast the massive return of New Zealanders from around the world. In late October 2020, it was like a switch had been turned on. We had our busiest summer on record as people left for more remote locations to avoid big-city restrictions. What followed couldnt have been predicted the strongest 18 months trading weve ever experienced. COVID isolation requirements continue to exacerbate the labour shortage, however. Weve had to ensure the business we book can be serviced to the standards expected, says Pitcher. Thats required more flexibility from staff and customers. Earlier this year, we asked everyone to return to the office. That reconnected our teams, improving customer service and operational delivery. Pitcher says New Zealands geography being at the bottom of the world means shipping companies are keener on far more lucrative lines (routes). That has resulted in reduced capacity and restricted volumes of containers per vessel. Its not uncommon for our containers, loaded and at the port, to be rolled for three or four sailings. It can mean delays of up to two months. With New Zealand opening its border to business visa holders, were expecting a significant volume of movement. I see our domestic market moving towards pre-COVID volumes. While corporate relocations may slow, we feel movement will return between Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and New Zealand, and the UK and New Zealand. COVID taught us we have sustainable businesses. PLAN A B, C AND D Graham Bell, Managing Director, Transworld International Removals Ltd, says his business was hampered from the outset of COVID by miscommunication from New Zealands government. In the early days, it allowed transport and logistics to carry on, but excluded household removals. Retailers could sell essential goods heaters, white Transworld New Zealand crew members As the world adapted, and NZ followed suit, we hadnt forecast the massive return of New Zealanders from around the world 50 FF307 September-November 22 pp46-53 Regional Focus.indd 50 WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 06/09/2022 07:42 FIDI A