Sue - wine distributor
When you first heard that NZ was moving to Alert Levels 3 & 4, what did you think? How did you feel?
In the first week I felt quite anxious. I was seeing in the news how the virus was expanding so deadly rapidly in Italy so realised New Zealand’s decision was brave with regard to the economy and sensible with regard to the health of our nation. You can’t see a virus so it was hard to know where it was and when I was at risk. Being a life-long asthmatic, I chose to go into self-isolation before the lockdown was announced. I wanted to be extra careful.
How has your job and daily routine been affected?
As a wine distributor I rely on restaurants and cafes as my clients. Initially they said they’d ‘wait and see’ before placing their next order then it was clear they wouldn’t be trading at all. Some of the retail outlets I supply worked to reduce their inventory so my sales were non-existent or miniscule. My only sales now are to friends and family.
What have been the best things/hardest things about the lockdown?
One of the best things has been watching my neighbourhood expand – virtually and in reality. One of my neighbours created a Whatsapp group for people on our street. It’s been handy being able to ask practical questions of neighbours, especially medics and health workers in our group. More people are walking up and down the street. It’s felt healthier to see more people - especially families - enjoying time together outdoors. I’m also grateful that my partner who died last year from cancer wasn’t having to go into hospital to have treatment on his own, without me being able to accompany him for support as this is something he would have struggled with.
What have you missed/not missed?
I’m very social so I’ve missed seeing people and travelling but I’ve talked to friends and family on the phone a lot and I’ve had great neighbours to chat to over the fence. I haven’t missed cars being on the road and the usual noise from planes taking off and landing.
What have you been thinking about more/less?
I’ve been thinking about how people have had more time to cook and haven’t been able to get takeaways. Restaurants and cafes are fundamentally social places – it’s not like shopping for groceries or having takeaways delivered. I worry that many restaurants and cafes won’t re-open. Tourist destinations like Queenstown will obviously struggle with the lack of travellers and jobs. New Zealand is lucky to be living in a bubble (as an island) but the future seems uncertain and a bit frightening.
Can you liken this time to any other times/experiences in your life?
The isolation reminds me of the many years when my partner had cancer. Because of his health we couldn’t have a lot of visitors. We had to take the risk of him catching anything, even a common cold, seriously. That time was good training for lockdown and has made the experience feel less of a shock or adjustment.
What have you appreciated/felt grateful for during the lockdown?
I am grateful that we’ve all been on the same side, unlike in a war. Jacinda’s empathy is phenomenal. Her messages have been simple, strong, clear and upfront.
In a word (or more), how do you imagine describing this time when looking back on it in a year or so?
A massive event. To watch the whole world close down; it will be in our psyche forever.