President's Message

Hasn’t it been the most unusual Easter break? More like an enforced ‘stay-cation’ and extended family time really. Even though we’re at day 20 now (I think), and we’re into a routine, there’s no denying it’s challenging. In our house, we tune in daily at 1 pm to hear from the fabulous Dr Ashley, but otherwise we try to limit the continuous COVID-19 news barrage. Supermarket visits are not fun anymore, and I didn’t realise how much I would miss the social connection of being at work.

It hasn’t all been challenging though. Daily walks around the suburb are a welcome addition, with the new unofficial Give Way rules to avoid other walkers’ bubbles. We’re enjoying fewer cars on the road, it’s so quiet – you can really hear the tuis - and I read that air pollution is greatly reduced. This Easter I caught up with long overdue calls to family and friends. I attended a live yoga class online, read more books, and connected for Friday night drinks on Zoom. My workmates even do the Dompost 5 minute quiz on Zoom – a great and light way to stay connected.

But overall it’s like someone pressed the pause button on our lives.

In these circumstances its perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, anxious, isolated and scared at times. You are not alone with these feelings as we are all trying to navigate our new lifestyle. As Jacinda states, we are all in this together, he waka eke noa.

I read a couple of useful pieces of advice that help me to keep perspective. I tell myself:
You’re not working from home. You’re at home, in a crisis, trying to work. I think that’s probably especially valid if you’ve got young kids – don’t try to compensate for lost productivity by working longer hours.
We’re all told to be kind. While that’s fairly obvious, I think it’s really important not to forget to be kind to yourself. There’s nothing more important than your own wellbeing right now.
This lockdown isn’t forever, at some stage life will return to something more familiar – even if it is a new normal.

It is reassuring to hear that the Government is thinking about what’s next. Even more reassuring, they are focused on construction and infrastructure to lead the economic recovery. A group of industry leaders has been invited by the Government to submit costed projects that are ‘shovel-ready’ or likely to be ready to go within six months. These potential projects are in addition to the Government’s $12 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme and existing Provincial Growth Fund infrastructure investments. This priority work gives our industry a fighting future, and indeed we’ll be at the sharp end of the recovery.

I see this as a massive opportunity, and I am very keen that we don’t miss it. Even though it might not feel like it right now in our bubbles.

However you are feeling, it is OK. Take this time to be kind to yourself, take plenty of breaks and fresh air.

Stay within your bubble and be safe.