Media Release

26 July 2013

$100,000 hits in big storm

Last month’s big storm in Wellington caused damage estimated at more than $100,000 to two businesses in the city, with a further six suffering more than $10,000 of damage, according to a survey by the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.

The survey of 95 Chamber members showed that 33% of respondents suffered some sort of storm damage. One business had damage estimated at between $50,000 and $100,000, with five between $10,000 and $50,000. A further seven had damage up to $10,000.

The storm also caused disruption to business, with one estimating the cost at more than $100,000, one between $50,000 and $100,000, three at $10,000-$50,000, and 27 at $1,000-$10,000.

73% of respondents said their business was affected in some way by the storm. Of those, some 80% said staff suffered disruption, 45% said customers were affected, while 29% said they suffered “other” disruption.

When asked to elaborate on the nature of the disruption, the most common were, in order, transport delays or staff unable to attend work, power outage, property damage, ferry/flight/freight delays, and flooding.

The survey asked members if there was anything the authorities could have done to minimise the impact of the storm. Generally, respondents said they were satisfied with the role of authorities, although some referred to the need for clearer and better warning advice, faster power and reconnection services, and faster clearing of drains.

Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce CEO Raewyn Bleakley said though some businesses were hit hard, most were back on their feet within a day or so.

“That says a lot about Wellingtonians. We just get back up and carry on.

“Considering it was labelled our biggest weather event since the Wahine storm in 1968, I’m surprised there wasn’t more damage.

“I think we came through it pretty well, all things considered.”

The Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce is in the process of surveying members on damage and disruption to business caused by Sunday’s earthquake.

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