Today’s letter comes from Christchurch, New Zealand. Reuben Casey, CEO of Kathmandu, writes to remind us that even on the other side of the world, this virus has touched the human race. Kathmandu, a global company that also owns Oboz Footwear and Rip Curl, closed its New Zealand retail stores—over 150 of them.
Thanks for writing Reuben.
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A perspective from a small country at the bottom of the world in lockdown.
I look afar at the mounting toll in other countries with dismay and deep sadness. Gratefulness is mixed with survivor guilt in being blessed to live in a small isolated island nation of 4.5 million people where clarity of direction means we unite together as one people – “He waka eke noa” (We are all in this together). This spirit of “kotahitanga” or unity is strong. Our mantra in New Zealand is “stay in your bubble, be kind, stay safe, break the chain”. There is a sense that each of us feels individually responsible for the welfare of others.
My young children, having freedom to run around barefoot outside in the backyard in the sunshine, adapt to being home every day effortlessly. Family outings on the scooter or bikes break the monotony and burn off crucial energy.
Gratitude in small moments acts as a ballast against sorrow. Constant work travel is replaced by feverish long hours in a small windowless home office, yet there is deep joy in seeing my wife and young children multiple times a day and reading bedtime stories every night. I see the strain on the faces of close colleagues in Bozeman, Melbourne, Christchurch and Torquay and am anxious for their wellbeing, yet regular contact via Zoom ensures we remain connected and supportive.
The economic impact takes its toll and I decide to close offices, close stores, lay off staff, and furlough others. These are delivered over video calls to multiple, sad, shocked and tearful faces staring back at you, healing tears are shed. Somehow people remain dignified, grateful for honesty, transparency and are understanding. I receive multiple messages of support and am moved by the generosity.
Physical distancing requirements manifests a desire to connect with loved ones more frequently. Simple pleasures of home baking, cooking and gardening are rediscovered as life slows. Your bubble, home and family become the focus. Heart breaking accounts of solitary funerals and dying or birthing alone without family abound. The courage of health workers, teachers, grocery store workers and other essentials is evident every day. Positivity wins the day with nightly community applause breaking out in multiple countries, people cooped up in small apartments share song and laughter to ease the loneliness of physical isolation.
“Kia kaha” / be strong. Be kind, stay safe.