Page 27 - HW FEBRUARY 2022

initial panic buy and then people settled down very quickly. Consumers went straight to online. You didn’t see the dip that we saw first time around. So, I think in general, Kiwis now know what to do.
“The key question for me is what our response is going to be to Omicron, which is expected to spread rapidly throughout the community.
“We expect lots of people off sick. It’ll hit the supply chain, DCs, and businesses everywhere, including industries like ours that have large workforces that support retailers.
“Omicron doesn’t pick who it’s going to hit. So, I don’t think New Zealand is going to get away without issues locally.
“Even if you have local supply, I still think there is potential for significant supply chain disruption in New Zealand over the next six months,” states Tony Puppyn.
TOWARDS A POST-COVID BUST?
What about life after Covid? Tony Puppyn among others expresses real concerns about the broader industry’s ability to cope with promised all-time high levels of building activity.
“It will be interesting to see what happens when we do get through Covid,” he says.
“My fear is that when the borders open up, we will see increased immigration, continued pressure on the housing market and building supplies in an already inflationary environment.
“If we do see immigration back at even half the levels they were and if Kiwis do rush back home, what does that do to the housing stock and pressure on building supplies?
“What does that do for the general economy?
“It could be absolutely fantastic. But equally, you have to go back to the fact we have only got so many builders and only so much supply...
“So, you could see a period of incredible disruption.”
As one of those “good keen people doing the best they can under difficult and changing circumstances”, despite the many variables,
DEREK VAN DER VOSSEN –
“I think we’re going to see heaps more change in 2022 ... it’s going to be about being as adaptable as you can, just rolling with the changes”
VRM’s Derek van der Vossen is clear about what lies ahead.
“I think we’re going to see heaps more change in 2022 and
I think, from our point of view, it’s going to be about being as adaptable as you can, just rolling with the changes.”
As Benjamin Franklin is recorded as saying: “When you are finished changing, you are finished.”
Famous last words.
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A Wellington region sales agency, offering technicial information and great personal service
Contact: Stephen Edlin | Ph: 0274 958 370 | Email: sedlin@xtra.co.nz
MORE AT www.facebook.com/nzhardwarejournal FEBRUARY 2022 | NZHJ 25
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