Buy local to support battling businesses

Kiwi shoppers are urged to buy locally made items today as a way of supporting businesses in the lead-up to Christmas. Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler says that although businesses have come out of level 4 lockdown, many retailers cannot operate and are nervous about what lies ahead. Supporting New Zealand brands is more crucial than ever, and New Zealand Made Day is a way to help. Ambler says small businesses of fewer than 20 employees make up 97 per cent of all businesses and employ 29 per cent of workers in New Zealand. For them, the Christmas period could mean life or death for their business.